basic cable

No-frills television

Basic cable refers to a tier of cable television service that includes a standard package of channels—typically local broadcast stations and a selection of popular networks—as opposed to premium channels that require additional fees.

The term distinguishes this entry-level subscription from premium services like HBO or Showtime.

Something described as basic cable often suggests low-budget or unsophisticated content: That show looks like it belongs on basic cable.

Opposites
service tier/premium level

basic cablepremium cable

HBO · pay-per-view · Showtime · Cinemax · premium tier

delivery technology/platform

basic cablestreaming services

On-demand video delivery platforms

streaming · Netflix · broadcast television · on-demand · digital streaming

Family

basic, cable, basics, cables, basically, cabled, cabling, basicness

Familiarity
Top 200,000
Profile
Mostly American · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G