Week 4: Netflix, Binge-viewing and Internet distributed film and TV

The rise of Netflix, binge-viewing, and internet-distributed film and TV has significantly transformed the landscape of entertainment consumption, reshaping how audiences engage with content. Netflix pioneered the concept of on-demand streaming, allowing subscribers to watch content at their convenience. The platform’s original content, including series like “Stranger Things” and “The Crown” and films like “Roma” and “The Irishman,” has garnered critical acclaim and contributed to Netflix becoming a major player in the entertainment industry.

“Money Heist” (La Casa de Papel) is a Spanish television series that gained international acclaim for its gripping narrative. “Money Heist” is a prime example of a show designed for binge-watching. Instead of the traditional weekly release, the series dropped entire seasons on streaming platforms at once, encouraging viewers to consume the narrative in a continuous flow. The show’s intricate and suspenseful storytelling, with each episode ending on a cliffhanger, compels viewers to keep watching. The narrative structure is crafted to create a sense of urgency and curiosity, making it difficult for viewers to resist watching “just one more episode.” The global accessibility of streaming platforms allowed “Money Heist” to reach audiences around the world simultaneously. The show’s popularity transcended language barriers, creating a diverse and passionate international fan base. Social media played a significant role in connecting fans, fostering discussions, and fueling the binge-watching phenomenon.

Dwelling on Mareike Jenner (2018), ‘Introduction: Netflix and the Renvention of Television’, ‘Introduction: Binge Watching Netflix’, Netflix and the Reinvention of Television, the depth and complexity of the characters in “Money Heist” contribute to its binge-worthy appeal. Each character has a unique background and motivations, and viewers become emotionally invested in their fates. Jenner’s analysis explores how this psychological depth adds an extra layer of engagement that keeps audiences hooked, contributing to the success of the binge-watching model.

Many fans of “Money Heist” have taken their enthusiasm to YouTube, creating content that simulates the intricate planning, execution, and aftermath of a heist. These videos often feature detailed reenactments, discussions of characters and plot points, and even DIY projects inspired by the series. In essence, the phenomenon of people creating YouTube videos as if they are orchestrating a heist is a testament to the show’s ability to inspire creativity and community engagement. It showcases how popular culture, when embraced by enthusiastic fans, can transcend passive viewership and become a participatory and interactive experience.

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