Vibe Coding Is Helping Users Build Better TVs—and Escape the Ad Blitz

Users are fed up with the barrage of ads and data tracking on modern TVs—and they're turning to AI-assisted "vibe coding" to find a way out.

The Problem: Smart TVs Have Become Ad Machines

In 2026, smart TVs are more connected than ever, but that connectivity comes at a cost. Users face relentless advertising, invasive data collection, and interfaces that feel designed to monetize attention rather than deliver a good viewing experience. Many are looking for alternatives.

The Solution: Vibe Coding

Enter vibe coding—the practice of using natural-language prompts and AI coding assistants to quickly generate functional software without deep programming expertise. Users are leveraging these tools to build custom TV interfaces, ad blockers, and privacy-focused setups that bypass the built-in bloatware.

Why It Matters

This trend reflects a broader shift in consumer tech: as AI lowers the barrier to entry for software development, everyday users are taking control of their devices in ways previously reserved for developers. For TVs, that means reclaiming the viewing experience from ad-tech and data brokers.

What's Next

As vibe coding tools mature, expect more users to share their TV de-bloating scripts and custom interfaces. Manufacturers may need to respond—either by offering cleaner, privacy-respecting options or by facing a growing community of users who've decided to build their own.

via The Verge