Eventually TVs will VPN out. Dat revenue is way too sweet...

As long as it's on my network, I can still block the VPN endpoint, or simply block based on source IP, or put the TV in a non-routable subnet.

...Assuming it displays anything at all without being able to phone home.

Chances are good the TVs of the future will just display full screen error messages if they haven’t been able to upload your content engagement metrics in the last 15 minutes.

The difference is that you had to accept their EULA. I didn't because even if I technically prevent their data extraction, I still want it to be illegal for them.

At least my Samsung TV had several EULAs that were optional. I accepted the basic one that allowed me to use the onboard Netflix and then opted out of data collection via CCPA and installed a Pi-Hole. I didn’t accept the one for voice control or other “smart” features.

That is true, but it will nag you every time you turn on TV.