With the rise of streaming giants such as Netflix, television is no longer limited to online channels and fixed broadcast times. As Amanda Lotz said in her work <Theorizing the Nonlinear Distinction of Internet-Distributed Television>, we are in the “post-Internet era”, where digital platforms provide viewers with unprecedented freedom to access content anytime and anywhere without the constraints of traditional television. Today I want to discuss the success of the work <La Casa de Papel>.

When <La Casa de Papel> was first broadcast in Spain, the ratings were not high. It was not until Netflix purchased the series and re-edited it to suit the viewing habits of international audiences that it became a real hit worldwide. Amanda Lotz’s concept of “non-linear viewing” helps explain the success of <La Casa de Papel>. By releasing series in full seasons, Netflix allows viewers to freely choose their viewing schedule, which often leads to binge-watching, which was impossible under the weekly broadcast model of traditional television. Mareike Jenner further analyzed the binge-watching phenomenon in Netflix and the Reinvention of Television, arguing that Netflix redefined audience habits through the strategic recommendation of releasing full seasons. <La Casa de Papel> used this strategy to recommend it to audiences around the world, in different languages ​​and backgrounds through Netflix’s algorithm.

Jenner and Lotz also discussed how streaming platforms like Netflix can attract a wide range of audiences through diversified content strategies.<La Casa de Papel> is a typical example of Netflix’s globalization strategy, and its cultural diversity has made it very successful. Although the show is deeply influenced by Spanish culture, features Spanish actors and the Spanish language, its themes – resistance, friendship, suspense and justice – have universal appeal. Netflix’s promotion of culturally diverse series breaks the tradition of English-language programming monopoly and shows that international audiences are hungry for content from different regions. This shift allows content from different cultural backgrounds to be showcased globally, satisfying audiences’ demand for stories that are close to their own lives and experiences. Netflix’s support for non-English content such as <La Casa de Papel>  marks a shift in the media environment towards a more inclusive and diverse direction.

<La Casa de Papel> shows how Netflix took television into uncharted territory through a unique distribution, promotion, and content diversity strategy, transforming a local Spanish series into a global phenomenon. I believe <La Casa de Papel> embodies the profound impact Netflix has had on modern television. By prioritizing viewer control, embracing diversity, and transcending national borders, Netflix has not only revolutionized the television experience, but also driven a globalized media environment where stories from anywhere can reach audiences around the world.

Junwei Lin 33867183