A recent article in the Wall Street Journal reveals that, “Netflix is trying to better understand your binge-viewing habits.” Why? Because what was once thought to be an extreme lack of self-control, ranging to an aberrant use of time has now gone mainstream…and the company is even telling you you should not feel guilty about it! Or, for those among us who are seeking to justify such a use of time, Netflix says Americans are even willing to exercise while binging.
A phenomenon that is reshaping TV culture—viewers devouring shows in lengthy chunks, episode after episode. Executives say they found a strikingly consistent pattern in the pace at which people binge: In general, about half the viewers studied finished a season (up to 22 episodes) within one week.
According to the company’s news release,
“Our viewing data shows that the majority of streamers would actually prefer to have a whole season of a show available to watch at their own pace,” said Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer of Netflix. “Netflix has pioneered audience choice in programming and has helped free consumers from the limitations of linear television. Our own original series are created for multi-episodic viewing, lining up the content with new norms of viewer control for the first time.”
But why does this matter? It is not something so simple as being the first to market, but rather, a continued response to demand that keeps them in the position of market maker for streaming. Will we see a tiered approach to pricing structure? I don’t see how they can’t and there already seems to be evidence of this, but that is simply an appropriate response to continue its availability, and or desire to have it all.
References:
Netflix Says Binge Viewing is No ‘House of Cards’
Netflix Declares Binge Watching is the New Normal
Netflix Knocks a Dollar Off Its SD Streaming Service for New Users