OTT giant Netflix is known for its binge-release model with respect to series titles released on its platform. Meaning that Netflix releases all the episodes of their shows all at once during the first day of their premiere. The strategy is unlike what OTT platforms like Disney+ Hotstar and Amazon Prime Video have adopted for their shows ‘House of the Dragon’ and ‘Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’, etc.
Some rumours regarding Netflix ditching their binge-release model were doing the rounds of late. However, Netflix has assured its fans that it is going to retain the same binge-release approach for its series in the future for the sake of a true-blue binge-friendly viewing experience. That is, not waiting for episodes on a weekly basis. The revelation was made during Netflix’s quarterly results announcement for the 3rd quarter.
And the reason behind Netflix continuing with its binge-release series streaming model is because the streamer thinks that’s exactly why its immensely popular shows like ‘Squid Game’ were able to achieve the superhit status. As per Netflix, the same is the case with another Netflix series Ryan Murphy’s ‘Dahmer — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’, which benefited from the binge-release model in a big way by generating some mind-boggling viewing figures.
And if we think from OTT audiences’ point of view, then Netflix’s binge-release model works big time with the viewers as they don’t have to wait a full week and lose the momentum before watching a show’s next episode.
The weekly episodic release strategy might create more curiosity, fan theories, and discussions amongst fans but suffers from a somewhat less satisfactory and less enjoyable binge-watching experience. Before the advent and penetration of OTT platforms, linear television networks had no option other than airing episodes on a weekly basis.
But now, OTT platforms have the luxury of releasing a series all at once, so why not give that option and choice to viewers instead of making them wait for a full week? Food for thought. Which series streaming model do you enjoy more and which is better: Netflix’s binge-release approach or weekly episodes (non-bingeable) release model adopted by OTT platforms like Disney+ for many of its shows?