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The summer I turned binge-y

Planet Money

2025/12/24
Planet Money

Planet Money

2025/12/24
The rise of binge-watching has reshaped how we consume television, with Netflix leading the charge by dropping entire seasons at once. What began as an innovative strategy to differentiate from traditional TV has evolved into a cultural phenomenon — and a complex business challenge.
Netflix's shift from DVD rentals to streaming pioneered the binge-dropping model, proven by hits like 'Breaking Bad' finding new life through on-demand viewing. The release of 'House of Cards' in 2013 cemented binge-watching as a mainstream habit, but research reveals it comes with high subscriber churn, as viewers finish content quickly and cancel. While hardcore fans prefer full-season drops, data shows casual viewers stay engaged longer with weekly releases. Platforms are now testing hybrid models — releasing a few episodes at once, then spacing out the rest — which can sustain buzz and mimic shared viewing experiences, as seen with 'The Summer I Turned Pretty.' Despite evidence favoring staggered rollouts, Netflix remains committed to binge-drops, particularly for flagship shows like 'Stranger Things,' likely due to internal data suggesting strong user preference. This strategy may reflect a long-term play to entrench bingeing as the default way to watch TV.
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Vince Gilligan said Netflix kept 'Breaking Bad' on air
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Binge watchers consume content rapidly and cancel subscriptions until new content arrives
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Weekly releases generate 50% higher subscription retention among non-hardcore bingers