I haven’t had a traditional monthly television bill in over five years. Somehow after getting rid of cable I still have friends and I still have fun. Weird, huh? Pay television prices continue to increase steadily and cable companies continue to raise prices on the folks that are reticent enough to stick around. Have you hit the tipping point yet? NOW could be that perfect time for you to drop these jokers for good – like a bad habit as some might say. I have great news for you on that front. Cutting the cord is much easier now. “Why is that,” you might ask? Well I’ll tell you.

Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu are all creating great original new content. Have you checked out House of Cards or Arrested Development season 4 yet (two of my faves)? The quality of these new “straight to the web” shows is just as good as any of the major networks create. And there’s more coming down the pipeline incredibly quickly from these newly minted TV content providers.

Amazon has five of their own new shows in the works for their Prime customers that should be hitting the internet shelves later this year. With actors like John Goodman starring in one of their new political dramas these companies are hitting home runs from the very start. In particular, Amazon continues to add new perks that make it harder and harder to resist signing up for a Prime account. Three of their new shows are for children and the other two are aimed at adults. You can check out some of their original pilots (like Alpha House – the one I referred to starring John Goodman) to gauge your interest.

Netflix has struck it big with their original series picks already and is planning to release eight new shows next year. Lets hope that a sophomore slump doesn’t ensue. And Hulu is boldly releasing 11 of their own original shows this year. You are bound to find one or two that look appetizing. A Hulu bonus is that a lot of their original content is actually free – but only if you watch on a computer. To watch it on a tablet, TV through Roku, or other mobile device will require paying the piper.

Work around: Scott Products (the guys who make paper towels) are offering a free month of hulu plus here. The normal offer directly through Hulu’s website is for just one free week.

The obvious bummer is that ESPN and some of the other cable sports channels aren’t available unless you subscribe through one of the major cable or satellite providers and pay them gobs of money every month. Many people (especially men) aren’t willing to give that up though.

Work around: I’ve been listening to my local baseball team’s games on the radio this season (when I’m not at the game). No need for the TV set at all. Baseball is better on the radio anyway I’ve found. I’m also kind of nostalgic.

That’s a lot of fresh content right at your fingertips for WAY LESS money than your current television provider – $7.99 or less per month for each service. And as more people take this plunge you won’t have to worry about missing out on “the good shows.” The great TV moments are increasingly happening online! These Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon shows are what your co-workers will be yapping about around the water cooler. Things are certainly looking up for us as TV consumers these days.

Don’t forget that these things called antennas still exist – that means that you can watch a few of your local channels for free in stunning HD. Did you know that antennas actually deliver a better local signal (if tuned correctly) than your cable or satellite provider?

Are you ready to take the plunge yet? Does this news of more fresh content from the online players perk your interest? Getting rid of cable is such a smart move now. Make it happen!

[Photo Courtesy of Mike]