We spent probably the first 10 years of our marriage without a TV. Then got one that we hooked up to a VCR.
We’d turn it to the television option for things like 9/11 and the Olympics.
It still sits there mostly collecting dust, but is useful on rare occasions.
We don’t have pay channels but I see I need to start blocking basic channels. One TV does not have blocking so I will disconnect it under the house except for special occasions like you do. I have always tried to keep an eye on what the kids watch but this has gone too far.