Netflix is experimenting with the idea of weekly releases for some of its shows. The streaming service has been known for dropping its most anticipated content, like Stranger Things, all at once and promoting the concept of binging on pop culture. But fierce competition from other platforms might be leading to a shift in strategy.
Netflix has disrupted the entertainment industry in many ways. It’s emerged as an alternative to moviegoing. It’s paid giant salaries to nab the biggest creators in television, such as Shonda Rhimes and Ryan Murphy. It’s even made a case for claiming entire movie genres as its specialty, spearheading a renewed focused on well-made romantic comedies. But perhaps one of its biggest influences is that it’s altered the way a television series is watched. Rather than a week between episodes of a season, Netflix’s top programs have usually been released in its complete form. It’s up to the viewer how they prefer to watch. Now, perhaps partially responding to outside pressures, the streamer is looking into a more classic method of TV viewing.
According to ComicBook.com, the new season of The Great British Baking Show is one of the programs which have shifted to a weekly format. Checking the listings for the latest season of the baking competition on Netflix, subscribers will find only one episode available for viewing. This is in contrast to how the series was released in previous seasons. Rhythm & Flow, a rap competition show, is also dropping the binge format. It will be released in groups instead, with the first four episodes (comprising the audition portion of the series) being made available first.
Netflix has floated other viewing methods in the past. And certain content, like The Patriot Act with Hasan Minaj, has maintained a weekly format. But it’s worth keeping in mind that this experimentation from Netflix comes on the heels of the news that the many anticipated shows of Disney+, including The Mandalorian, will take a weekly format. Along with HBO Max and Apple TV+, and even more platforms rumored on the way, Netflix is likely feeling some pressure to keep its subscribers from cancelling.
Viewed one way, it’s a somewhat cynical tactic to avoid the tendency of some to swiftly binge content, then promptly unsubscribe. Viewed another, the weekly format is a return to the way television should be watched: No fears of being spoiled, with no need to consume everything at once simply to remain in conversation, with the appreciation for each episode hopefully building a little more with every week. It might not work, but it’s easy to see why Netflix and other streamers want to try.
Source: ComicBook.com