The Battle Between Binge-Watching and Weekly Episodes
Netflix popularized releasing entire television seasons in one day, and many binge-released shows could have benefited from weekly episodes. Each distribution method has its advantages, as binge-watching TV is preferable to those who don't want to wait between episodes. Netflix, Prime Video, or Hulu releasing entire seasons of TV in one day can turn a TV release into an event. For example, the release of a Stranger Things season has an unparalleled hold over social media for a few days while everyone watches it. Networks like HBO, Apple TV+, and others have primarily returned to releasing one weekly episode, which has advantages. Shows like House of the Dragon and Succession are perfect examples of the benefits of this method, as the discourse over a series helps build an elongated anticipation. Viewers who tune in each week for an episode are part of that week's discussion, and weeks of discussion can help a series accumulate more viewership. For a show like Lost, the online forum discussion was a huge proponent of its popularity, as audiences theorized and discussed cliffhangers to an obsessive degree between episodes.
Emily Beecham's Mauram falling in 1899
The battle between binge-watching and weekly episodes has sparked discussions about the impact of release schedules on audience engagement and viewership. While binge-released shows offer immediate gratification, weekly episodes provide the opportunity for sustained anticipation and ongoing conversation. This contrast has become increasingly relevant as streaming platforms continue to experiment with different release strategies for their original content.
Shows That Missed Out on Theory-Crafting and Mystery Discussion
Netflix's 1899 missed out on theory-crafting and mystery discussion. One of 2022's best Netflix releases was 1899, an alluring mystery series from the creators of Dark. Set on a steamship traveling from the UK to New York City, a mind-bending plot ensues when a second ship is found adrift in the sea. Many compared the series to Lost, given its expanding mystery box elements and captivating ensemble cast. Unfortunately, the series was canceled after one season for not meeting the expected viewership. Given the possibility for theory-crafting and discussion, 1899 may have seriously benefited from weekly releases, giving the show some time to accumulate a deserved following.
Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard and Noah Schnapp in Stranger Things season 4 finale
Stranger Things could've built even more hype with weekly releases. While Stranger Things may benefit from its event-like release, dominating social media for days surrounding its release, the two-part season 4 proved that the series could also work weekly. The time between episodes left audiences shocked by the ending, building anticipation further for the last two episodes after 'The Massacre at Hawkins Lab' was one of the show's best episodes. While many love to binge-watch Stranger Things, Netflix streaming numbers and the overall discussion surrounding the show would benefit from weekly releases. Given the expanding world-building aspects, it's an exciting series to theorize and discuss.
Caleb McLaughlin in Stranger Things season 4
Prime Video's Carnival Row wasn't particularly well received. The fantasy series, starring Orlando Bloom and Cara Delevingne, got mediocre reviews, declining further in its second season. However, this is reasonably common for fantasy shows, for which Hollywood still struggles to find a successful formula after Game of Thrones. Fantasy is a genre best delivered in weekly episodes, giving viewers time to engage with the world-building and ease into the universe. Despite its popularity early on, The Witcher might also have benefited from a weekly release.
Carnival Row Season 2 Philo Vignette-1
Intriguing Series That Would've Benefited from Weekly Releases
Altered Carbon introduced an intricate futuristic world. For reasons similar to Carnival Row, Netflix's series Altered Carbon would've had a more sustainable audience with weekly releases. One of Netflix's most expensive original series, the show introduces audiences to an intricate futuristic world. Altered Carbon exists in a cyberpunk world where death isn't permanent because human bodies are interchangeable. Its Blade Runner aesthetic, strong writing, and performances earned it a second season, but the series never had the popularity it deserved. Season 1 is a fantastic standalone sci-fi show, and more room to discuss the details and implications of such a universe could've helped its audience grow.
Takeshi Kovacs from behind looking at the city in Altered Carbon
One of Netflix's earliest hits was the political drama House of Cards. The decision to release all 13 episodes of season 1 was shocking at the time, though it appealed to viewers who don't like to wait between episodes. Succession proved that political and social intrigue as a thematic discussion for a show is perfect for a weekly release season. House of Cards was successful as a binge-release series, but the complex narrative could've made for more sustained discussion.
Kevin Spacey Promotional Poster House Of Cards Sitting In Throne With Bloodied Hands
David Fincher's Netflix series delved into the psychology of serial killers and criminal profiling. The period drama mixes serial narrative with episodic cases, and each dialogue-heavy episode offers a ton for viewers to unpack. An episodic release for Mindhunter would've given each case or killer interview more room for earned discussion. The Charlie Manson interview was hugely popular around its release, but releasing episodes weekly could have given more attention to Mindhunter's other accurate serial killer depictions.
Jonathan Groff as Holden Ford holding up a picture and Holt McCallany as Bill Tench in Mindhunter
