To Binge, Or Not To Binge?

That is the question! The concept of a binge-watch is a relatively new phenomenon. The opportunities first arose when DVD box sets were a thing, but then this hit the mainstream when various platforms found the habit of dropping an entire series or season of a show all at once on a streamer.

Suddenly, many hours of sleep were lost as the temptation to cram in just one more episode before bed became a thing.

Now, movie website OG Garth Franklin over at the always reliable Dark Horizons has dropped an article discussing how different shows take different approaches, and how this can affect their reception. It is an interesting topic.

We are entering what feels like a new phase in entertainment, with a new generation coming through that doesn’t seem to engage in movies, and with clear lines starting to develop between the cinematic experience post-COVID and what audiences demand from streaming.

Talk of platform mergers and the re-establishment of licensing deals stalk the landscape as providers re-introduce ads and hike prices. In this turbulent time, it does beg the question. Is binge-watching the right answer?

As Garth’s article points out, Reacher season one was available to binge. Season 2 was released week-by-week and it did really feel as if the momentum was dulled by that decision.

However, on the opposite side of the coin, to counter this I believe that FX’s staggeringly epic Shogun, released weekly, is better for it. A binge-watch of any more than two or three episodes at once really would feel like too much, in my opinion. That show benefits from the breather between episodes.

Disney+ had been strict about weekly releases, but then dropped Echo all at once and industry insiders say they were surprised by the results.

Cobra Kai on Netflix is appointment binge-watching.

Most recently, Fallout arrived all at once and, after it felt like many platforms were turning away from this strategy for their premium shows, it has been a joy to rediscover the inconvenience and sheer pleasure of a committed, immersive session on the couch with an entire season of a show in front of you.

As the article highlights, though, that does mean the show misses the opportunity to become appointment TV and generate week-on-week buzz.

So Outposters, what is the answer? And what is your preferred method?

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