My biggest challenge is searching for the non simsubbed versions of my favourite primetime series. The PVR generally gets a good workout recording the Seattle affilliates.

I will still watch some over-the-air free TV series, because old habits die hard and some of the shows I still like. But I have to say, having just looked at the U.S. TV Guide's Fall Preview list of what's new starting next week, this has to be the most disappointing year I can ever recall.

There isn't much there that appeals to me, and most of the newer programs are, to say the least, either derivative or sound completely uninteresting to me. 

Add to that, now that many of the networks have their own streaming services (CBS is now Paramount+ and NBC has Peacock) a number of network shows are suddenly migrating over to their pay-to-watch outlets. AP Bio was cancelled by NBC but has returned on Peacock. And while I don't watch CBS' "Seal Team," I'd be some kind of P.O.'d that it's getting a 4-week fall debut return on the network, before being permanently transplanted over to Paramount+. "Evil" was a big hit for the Eye Network, but now, it, too, is out of sight, behind a Paramount paywall.

Some were abandoned and picked up elsewhere. Fans of the cancelled "Manifest" will have to be Netflix subscribers to see how the series ends. "Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist" will have its swan song on the Roku Channel. 

And those are just a few examples of the once-free-now-pay that's irritating viewers down south. 

They'd better get used to it. This appears to be the new normal and I suspect we'll increasingly see some innovative series launched on the major networks, only to lose them to streaming services when they become big hits.