Replace with a projector :) you don’t watch OTA channels, do you? So any other media source should be hookable to a projector. Sure you need a dark room to watch stuff, but that’s a plus as it’ll induce you to watch less tv ;)

Also - the soap opera thing can be turned off in decent newer TVs and as discussed in other HN threads you can just deny the TV an internet connection so it behaves dumbly. You might still need to contend with clunky UI but really - just select your video source and start watching, so the pain is minimal.

Soon all 'smart' TVs will just come with 5G connection. Will make it much harder (if even possible) to deny them internet connection.

As long as parent buys his new TVs before that happens, they should be good to roll for a few years.

I got myself a nice chunky laser projector with more than enough lumen output to overpower the sun. In fact I loved it so much I got a second one for basically the same price. Sure it's not 4K, but I get the screen size.

I replaced mine with a computer monitor. It's a bit more expensive, but that's the price of not being spied on.

I wouldn't be surprised that by the time I buy a projector, they're all "smart".