---
title: "TV: Have It But Could Live Without It"
description: "Nearly everyone in the U.S. has a TV set, but only 64% consider it a necessity. "
date: "2008-12-15"
authors:
  - name: "Russell Heimlich"
    job_title: "Former web developer"
    link: "https://www.pewresearch.org/staff/russell-heimlich/"
url: "https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2008/12/15/tv-have-it-but-could-live-without-it/"
---

# TV: Have It But Could Live Without It

Having something, like a car, can sometimes be a proxy for needing something — but not always; for example, nearly every American (98%) owns a television, but just 64% of adults consider it a necessity. Also, a Pew Social Trends survey finds, more than eight-in-ten (82%) have a satellite or cable television service, but just a third consider it a necessity.

[Read More](https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/pubs/323/luxury-or-necessity)