We've never been so interested in TV shows - but we aren't watching TV. Instead, we're turning to online video - whether it's Netflix or YouTube. But new technology isn't solely responsible – a wider shift in lifestyles is creating a natural path towards hyper-diversification.

With the rise of unlimited streaming services like Netflix, Hulu and YouTube, more people are cutting the cord to TV services in the US. According to research published by Leichtman Research Group, around 150,000 people cancelled their services in just three months in 2014.

Not all companies have caught up with the shift to user control. Viewers increasingly feel that they own the TV screen, says Dale Herigstad, and do not want to be told they cannot display conflicting properties.

Over 254,000 people in the UK and US torrented the Season 4 finale of Game of Thrones in just one hour. To tackle this behaviour, HBO launched HBO Go, letting people access the channel cheaply on their phone or tablet. But will it really stop people streaming illegally?