Before the advent of digital technologies, it was inconvenient for audiences to choose and control TV programmes. Although the invention of cable and satellite TV changed this situation gradually, the public is still limited by regular programming channels, and these shows relatively lack diversity. However, with the era of digital technologies, televisions, computers, and other electronic devices have the potential to converge, it enabled the traditional viewing mode to be replaced by “non-linear viewing”(Lotz, 2014, 65). Therefore, the viewers can choose the shows freely and watch them anytime and anywhere by using any device which can log in to a digital platform, like Netflix.

To a large extent, Netflix changes viewing patterns and consumption behaviour. Mareike Jenner argues that “Netflix (as representative of VOD as producer of original content)  signals a significant shift in a new media landscape and problematizes known terminologies”  (Jenner, 2018, 258). Firstly, when compared to cable and satellite TV, on Netflix, the viewers could search for the number of different types of programmes, and they have access to watch the entire season in which they are interested immediately rather than waiting for the weekly episode release according to a regular program sequence list. Additionally, unlike the traditional video on demand model, viewers only need to subscribe to Netflix to enjoy all the programmes, rather than paying for a single episode or television series. However, the convenience of viewing also leads to bingeviewing, which could be described as the viewers may watch the whole series for a long time, and this satisfies their desire to know the development of the plot. As a result, viewers’ daily lives may be affected to varying degrees. Take the example of Peaky Blinders (2013).

Peaky Blinders is a British period crime drama television series. It tells a story about how a youth gang expanded its power through various violent and legalizing their business. The ingenious design of the soundtrack in the show perfectly reflects the psychological activities of the characters, and portrays the image of the gang in sound. Besides, The show was well received by audiences by greatly restoring the Birmingham scene of the 1910s period and adding impressive soundtracks. So, many worldwide viewers are chasing this series via Netflix, and they could watch the entire six seasons without any time, space or equipment restrictions, if they have subscribed to Netflix. Thereby, some viewers have the possibility of staying up late to chase dramas, and watching them during their time of study and work. Then, they will be less focused and less efficient in their studies and work. More seriously, if these viewers develop such bad habits, their studies and careers can be devastated. Hence, while Netflix is more convenient to viewers, bingeviewing is sometimes labelled as toxic.

Reference

Mareike Jenner (2018), ‘Introduction: Netflix and the Renvention of Television’, ‘Introduction: Binge Watching Netflix’, Netflix and the Reinvention of Television.

Amanda Lotz (2017), ‘Theorizing the Nonlinear Distinction of Internet-Distributed Television’, Portals: A Treatise on Internet Distributed Television.

Written by Zhongzhu Wang(33689304)