If you walk through the PATH or ride the TTC these days, you might notice a subtle but significant change in how Torontonians are engaging with their screens. For years, the narrative was all about "cord-cutting" and the great migration from cable packages to subscription services like Netflix and Crave.
While that shift is largely complete, we are now witnessing a second evolution in 2026. The novelty of endless scrolling through static libraries is wearing off, and locals are increasingly seeking entertainment that offers agency, connection, and immersion rather than just passive viewing.
Interactive gaming sees surge in popularity
As passive viewing plateaus, interactive gaming is picking up the slack, evolving from a niche hobby into a primary form of entertainment for adults across the GTA. We are seeing professionals in their 30s and 40s unwinding with complex strategy games, immersive RPGs, or competitive matches that offer a social release after a long work week. The appeal lies in the agency—unlike a movie, a game requires your input, making the relaxation feel more earned and the escapism more complete.
The spectrum of available gaming experiences has never been broader, ranging from high-fidelity console titles to regulated iGaming sectors. While video games dominate the conversation, regulated casino platforms are also gaining traction, with the top options listed here offering secure environments for players looking for a change from RPGs. This variety ensures that regardless of whether someone wants to raid a dungeon with friends or play a few hands of blackjack, there is a digital space tailored to that specific desire for interaction.
Furthermore, the technology driving these experiences is advancing at a breakneck pace. This sector, which includes Virtual Reality (VR) and Mixed Reality (MR), is forecasted to grow rapidly as hardware becomes more affordable and less obtrusive. For a tech-forward city like Toronto, this means we can expect to see more "phygital" experiences, where digital gaming layers over our physical environment, turning a walk through Queen West into an augmented reality adventure.
Streaming services saturate the local market
The "streaming wars" have left many households feeling a bit battle-weary. While the convenience of on-demand video is undeniable, the market has reached a saturation point where the sheer volume of content can feel overwhelming rather than liberating. According to recent regulatory data, the transition away from traditional TV is stark, with 29% of Canadian households now classified as streaming-only, a figure that has climbed steadily from previous years. This suggests that for nearly a third of us, the coaxial cable is a relic of the past, replaced entirely by fiber optics and Wi-Fi.
However, this freedom comes with a new price tag. The days of the cheap $10 Netflix subscription are long gone. Households are now spending significantly more on these online services, with average audiovisual spending jumping to over $35 per month.
This increase isn't just inflation; it reflects a fragmented market where you need three or four different apps just to watch the shows your coworkers are talking about. For many Torontonians, this fragmentation is leading to "subscription fatigue," prompting them to cycle through services—subscribing for a month to binge a specific series and then cancelling immediately after.
Social platforms redefine community connection
The way we define "socializing" online has also undergone a massive transformation. It is no longer just about posting a photo of your brunch; it is about finding and building micro-communities. Platforms like YouTube and TikTok have become the new search engines and town squares combined. In fact, YouTube maintains a dominant reach of 79.4% of the total population, serving as the default utility for everything from learning how to fix a leaky faucet to watching local Toronto vloggers review the city’s best patties.
The rise of short-form video has particularly changed how we discover our own city. TikTok’s ad reach has continued to climb, bringing in hundreds of thousands of new adult users who use the platform as a discovery tool.
If a new restaurant opens on Ossington, chances are most locals will see it on a "For You" page before they read a review in a newspaper. This algorithmic discovery engine creates a feedback loop where digital consumption directly drives physical foot traffic. It turns entertainment into a utility, helping residents navigate their social lives in the real world.
Closing remarks
As we embrace these digital shifts, the challenge for Torontonians in 2026 remains finding the right balance. The allure of immersive VR worlds and endless content streams is strong, but it competes with the vibrant reality of life in the city. The goal for many is not to replace physical experiences but to enhance them. We see this in how people consume podcasts while jogging along the Martin Goodman Trail or how they use gaming apps to stay connected with friends when the February weather makes meeting up impossible.
