Just One More Episode

The Rise of Streaming and How It Affects T.V. Consumption

By Briana Durbin, Staff Writer

The time of waiting for weekly new episodes of TV is slowly coming to a close, being replaced by the practice of “Binge-Watching” ever since streaming platforms became the primary method of TV consumption.

“Binge-watching” consists of indulging in an entire season in just one sitting, made possible by streaming services releasing entire shows at once instead of as a weekly release. This transformative change in people’s viewing habits has fundamentally altered how one views television.

“I love binge-watching Netflix on my iPad at night and watching movies,” said Rylee Phillips, a senior.

Streaming services often trap people into a state of wanting to watch more television by customizing the viewer’s watchlist. When people love what they are watching, they tend to not deny watching one more episode.

“I love binge-watching Friends on HBO Max. It is my comfort show,” said Sophia Fiz, a senior.

To satisfy one’s insatiable need for quick fulfillment, networks and production companies have welcomed this major shift in viewing patterns by cleverly releasing entire seasons of their series immediately.

This calculated endeavor has produced the given many television shows the label of being “binge-worthy.” Shows with this label are captivating programs skillfully constructed with heart-stopping finales, complex character development and detailed storylines intended to keep one helplessly engrossed, episode after episode.

“I get so trapped in what I am watching when I love the show,” said Phillips.

While releasing an entire season at once has become the norm for most streaming services, several notable series released on streaming platforms within the past few years have returned to the classic release schedule, such as “House of the Dragon,” “Invincible,” and “The Expanse.” It is still yet unclear if this change in release schedule will affect the popularity of binge-watching.