What's the difference between cable tv and broadcast network tv?

Cable shows usually have more expensive shows, shows are not as friendly as broadcast, and have less viewers then broadcast. When you pay for your cable provider, you are mostly paying for networks like AMC, FX, etc. (except for HBO/ShowTime/Starz, etc...those are more private networks and you pay for them individually and they have lesser rules on what they provide. Cable still offers almost similar quality to HBO/Showtime and you won't notice much of difference except actually getting to see boobs and hear swear words on HBO/Showtime..but both the premium and cable shows provide about the same quality programming:))