The Tiny TV Trend: Why Smaller Screens Are the New Big Thing

By Cliff Hanger, The Daily Throb

HOUSTON — In a stunning reversal of tech trends, small TVs are making a comeback—and not because people are short on space. It turns out tiny screens are cooler, hipper, and just plain better than the obnoxious 85-inch behemoths that have taken over living rooms.

Big Screens Are Out. Small Screens Are Vintage.

For years, television manufacturers engaged in a digital arms race, with screens expanding like a Thanksgiving waistline. But something changed. Gen Z and Millennials are now rejecting oversized TVs, claiming they lack personality and “try too hard.”

“The charm of a 19-inch CRT is unmatched,” said Kylie DeWitt, 26, an Austin-based content creator who streams on Twitch from a 13-inch Sony Trinitron. “Big TVs feel corporate and soulless. Tiny TVs are like vinyl records—they’re more personal and authentic.”

The Science of Small Screens

Experts confirm that watching TV on a smaller screen is just better for you.

• Less visual clutter: Instead of having a massive screen dominating the room, smaller TVs create a chill, minimalist vibe.

• More focus: Studies suggest that oversized screens overwhelm the brain, while smaller screens help maintain attention without burning out the eyes.

• Aesthetic appeal: Compact TVs fit better in curated spaces, making them the perfect choice for modern, Pinterest-worthy apartments.

“You can fit a small TV in a bookshelf or on a vintage cart. Big TVs scream ‘divorced dad energy,’” said Elliot Martinez, a Houston-based interior designer.

Tech Companies Are Rushing to Downsize

Sensing the shift, major tech companies are scrambling to pivot. Sony recently announced a re-release of its iconic 1990s portable TV, while Samsung is developing a “Smart CRT” with a fake woodgrain finish. Apple is even rumored to be working on a tiny 9-inch Apple TV with built-in AirPods storage.

Retailers confirm that demand for compact screens has skyrocketed. At a Houston Best Buy, an employee admitted that “we can’t keep 24-inch TVs in stock. People are even asking for 13-inch sets like it’s 1998 again.”

Why Big TVs Were a Scam All Along

Let’s face it—big TVs were always kind of a rip-off.

• They cost thousands of dollars.

• They make your living room look like a Buffalo Wild Wings.

• They break if you so much as breathe near them too hard.

• Half the time, they’re just playing Netflix’s ‘Are You Still Watching?’ screen.

Meanwhile, tiny TVs are making a statement—that statement being, “I’m quirky and effortlessly cool.”

Will You Be Making the Switch?

Whether you’re a die-hard 4K enthusiast or someone who misses adjusting rabbit ears, one thing is clear: small TVs are back, and they’re here to stay.

As for the people still clinging to their 85-inch monstrosities? Enjoy explaining to your date why your apartment feels like a Best Buy showroom.