I have a not so smart TV from 15 years ago, I didn't connect it to internet for years, will never need again. I use an NVIDIA Shield for media, not thr best in terms of privacy but at least I can minimize the app installed and know more or less what it's doing. Ad a backup I have also a simple linux computer for some games, experiment and when Shield is doing shit after an update. The main issue for me to fully re place the Shield is CEC remote support, I need to be able to autostart Jellyfin or Kodi and control everything inside the app from the TV remote. But I tried for hours installing script and stuff, with AI help and forum help, but it never worked.
Linus Tech Tips also mention the same issue in a video when building a media center gaming PC to mimic a Steam Machine. Maybe I will get a Steam Machine if it ever release and have reqsonnable priced options for such light usage.