The rise in popularity of Netflix has had a lasting impact on television as we know it, changing and evolving some of the conventions that we associate with this medium. Perhaps one of the most important changes that Netflix has enabled is in our viewing habits, through the development of binge-watching: ‘a practice where several episodes of a serialised programme are watched on a medium other than linear television’ (Jenner, 2018, p109). Marieke Jenner argues that the practice is more than just a mode of viewing to the streaming giant, but rather a way in which, ‘Netflix reconceptualises control’ (Jenner, 2018, p109).

Netflix seeks a certain level of control over viewers by encouraging binge-watching through various technological methods on the platform, for example: ‘the post-play function, along with other features, such as ‘skip intro’, creates an almost seamless flow from one episode to the next’ (Jenner, 2018, p115). Equally, Netflix can be seen to promote binge-watching through their own productions, both in their content and release models.

Netflix Original series, House of Cards (2013), is a prime example of this, demonstrating some of the tactics used: ‘(the) temporal structure reflects the trajectory of the binge experience: there is a distinct forward momentum in the narrative, with various increments of time passing between episodes, no flashbacks, or flashforwards’ (McDonald & Smith-Rowsey, 2016, p104). This coupled with, ‘the show’s thematic emphasis on addiction, power, and bodily exhaustion’ (McDonald & Smith-Rowsey, 2016, p105), are essentially a reflection of the binge-watching experience itself.

I would extend this to many of Netflix’s original series, which have various similar features, such as the more recent release, Lupin (2021). There is often not much time passing in the narrative structure between each episode, and there are recaps each season rather than each episode, both of which suggest viewers to watch in quick succession. Episodes often end on a cliff-hanger too, which coupled with the auto-play feature on Netflix, encourage the viewer to binge-watch. The viewing experience is made to be a seamless uninterrupted flow, both technically and narratively.

Perhaps binge-watching is a consequence born out of the level of choice and control over watching that is offered to viewers through Netflix, but undoubtedly the platform intentionally encourages this mode of viewing.

Written by George Bentley

Bibliography

House of Cards (2013), Netflix

Jenner, M. (2018). Netflix and the Re-invention of Television. Springer International Publishing. 

Lupin (2021), Netflix

McDonald, K. and Smith-Rowsey, D. (2016) The netflix effect: Technology and entertainment in the 21st Century. New York, NY: Bloomsbury Academic