The decision of Netflix and Amazon to release all new episodes of their original television series at the same time is one that addresses one of the most inherent desires of customers, and this is a good thing. One of the reasons for the widespread popularity of these means of entertainment is because of the elimination of the wait time in-between television (TV) shows. Before shows created by Netflix and Amazon, fans of a particular TV show needed to wait for a period spanning 24 hours to 1 week to enjoy new episodes. The TV show is aired at time that is deemed convenient for the network or sponsors of the shows. However, the current dispensation of TV entertainment has eliminated this wait time and has enabled fans of TV shows to engage with
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As it were, one of the reasons why Netflix and Amazon’s approach, which grant binge-watching of TV shows, may be frowned on is its predilection to negatively impact the sense of wonder and suspense that results in the appreciation of a particular show. In the traditional TV show setting, the hiatus between one episode and the next episode is one that creates a build up of suspense in many viewers, especially if the previous episode ends in a cliffhanger. Binge-watching eliminates the suspense that comes with such an approach and this might have an effect on the value of the show from the perspective of the viewers. Additionally, it eliminates the uniform wait time between one episode and the next since the viewer decides when they actually want to watch. The implication of this is that some viewers get to watch some episodes before some people and this increases the tendency of spoilers to find their way to the internet, thereby truncating the suspense of a viewer that has yet to see the said episode. However, these downsides do not completely negate the positives that come with binge-watching, especially in terms of convenience and bonding with friends and family with so-called “watch parties,” they seem like a lesser price to pay compared to what is to be …show more content…
The TV industry, like any industry is driven by profits and TV entertainment is as channel through which such profits are attained through commercials and promotional services that are directly proportional to ratings and viewership. Reports suggest that while subscription-based streaming services like Netflix and Amazon are gaining popularity and viewership ratings, the traditional TV industry is experiencing declines both in ratings and in viewership (Snyder). This poses possible consequences for the traditional TV industry, as it is obvious that there is an ongoing exodus of viewers towards subscription-based streaming services. It implies therefore, that binge-watching is already negatively impacting the TV industry, but upon closer scrutiny, it will be discovered that the lack of flexibility in the TV industry, which Netflix and Amazon offer their viewers, is the cause of the negative impact. Until this is corrected, it is only a matter of time before the traditional TV network providers become somewhat
As it were, one of the reasons why Netflix and Amazon’s approach, which grant binge-watching of TV shows, may be frowned on is its predilection to negatively impact the sense of wonder and suspense that results in the appreciation of a particular show. In the traditional TV show setting, the hiatus between one episode and the next episode is one that creates a build up of suspense in many viewers, especially if the previous episode ends in a cliffhanger. Binge-watching eliminates the suspense that comes with such an approach and this might have an effect on the value of the show from the perspective of the viewers. Additionally, it eliminates the uniform wait time between one episode and the next since the viewer decides when they actually want to watch. The implication of this is that some viewers get to watch some episodes before some people and this increases the tendency of spoilers to find their way to the internet, thereby truncating the suspense of a viewer that has yet to see the said episode. However, these downsides do not completely negate the positives that come with binge-watching, especially in terms of convenience and bonding with friends and family with so-called “watch parties,” they seem like a lesser price to pay compared to what is to be …show more content…
The TV industry, like any industry is driven by profits and TV entertainment is as channel through which such profits are attained through commercials and promotional services that are directly proportional to ratings and viewership. Reports suggest that while subscription-based streaming services like Netflix and Amazon are gaining popularity and viewership ratings, the traditional TV industry is experiencing declines both in ratings and in viewership (Snyder). This poses possible consequences for the traditional TV industry, as it is obvious that there is an ongoing exodus of viewers towards subscription-based streaming services. It implies therefore, that binge-watching is already negatively impacting the TV industry, but upon closer scrutiny, it will be discovered that the lack of flexibility in the TV industry, which Netflix and Amazon offer their viewers, is the cause of the negative impact. Until this is corrected, it is only a matter of time before the traditional TV network providers become somewhat