I use Kodi and Mobdro with bluestacks which runs android apps, or use VMware and custom version of android 9.0. Yes the Amazon fire stick can be modded as done a few. Yes modified a few smart TV's to run software. Can watch shows and movies worldwide before it even hit Netflix and etc, as have other sources and software won't get into. But barely watch TV more for background when working. Most of the time YouTube if anything and use PC mostly.
Yes do still pay for cable as well as we spit bill and have a decent package deal, but use other apps when on the go for free.