According to the latest data, binging TV shows is not as popular as it was a couple of years ago. While it can waste a few hours away, people apparently prefer weekly releases more and more these days!
Binging Shows: Old News?
For awhile, everyone loved binging shows. Now, however, new data from Parrot Analytics shows that people prefer weekly releases! “By dropping an episode once a week, streamers are more likely to keep subscribers on the platform for longer, where they might find other content they like, and stay long-term,” said Wade Payson-Denney, an insights analyst at Parrot.
Disney was one of the first to return to the old style of releasing. They released Loki, WandaVision, and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier weekly on the streaming service Disney+. Now, other streaming services, like HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Apple+, and many others have tried experimenting with weekly releasing.
While some have argued that the pandemic changed streaming, with many running out of things to watch. However, Parrot Analytics said that binging shows started losing popularity even before that! Back in 2019, weekly releases started overpowering binge releases – right when Apple TV+ and Disney+ launched. When HBO Max, Peacock, Discovery+, and other streaming services joined the team, weekly releases have become the norm! The companies hope that weekly releasing will mean losing less subscribers over time. “We think that works for our users; to have a consistent drum beat of new episodes coming and provide a water cooler moment,” explained Sarah Lyons, EVP of Product Experience at WarnerMedia and HBO Max.
Growing Negative Impact
While many streaming services are making the switch to weekly releasing, Netflix does not plan on changing any time soon. “Customers have spoken loud and clear that they really like the options of the all-at-once model for us,” said Netflix’s Ted Sarandos last year. “So, I don’t see us moving away from that meaningfully.” However, the company does release its reality shows weekly.
Binge-watching is not all about show success, though. After being studied for the past several years, this phenomenon became an interesting topic in the scientific and psychological community. Unfortunately, it can be very damaging to the viewer’s health. Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin discovered that binge-watching shows is strongly tied to depression and loneliness. In fact, those already depressed are prone to binging movies and shows more. Furthermore, spending time on the couch and watching TV without a break can harm physical health. Be it snacking on something or simply not moving, this may cause heart diseases and obesity.
While there are a lot of successful and beloved TV shows on all platforms, it doesn’t mean you should start binging them. Don’t forget to take breaks for exercising, walking, and talking to loved ones between show episodes.
Sources: Axios, Digital Spy, Forging News Lives.
