If tv works with embedded EOLs, you can do this: cat data/a.csv | tv | head -n5 It is more resource intensive, but it pushes the problem you mentioned onto

If tv works with embedded EOLs, you can do this: cat data/a.csv | tv | head -n5 It is more resource intensive, but it pushes the problem you mentioned onto tv. If tv doesn't work with embedded EOLs, then you need to fix your data or fix your tool.