How exactly does the splitter for a cable outlet work?

Im not exactly sure how to word this...but I will try my best. I have verizon fios with 2 outlets. One in my room and one in the living room. I have a temporary roomate moving in for 3 months and the 2nd room next to mine does not have an outlet. If I bought a splitter and used it in on the outlet in my room and used cable to attach it to his tv in the other room would that work? He doesn't need full cable with all the channels. But Im wondering if this would make it so that he could only watch what I am watching or if he will just get certain channels and can watch whatever he wants. Sorry if this is confusing but any information would help. Thank you!