Netflix recently announced the release schedule for the fifth and final season of Stranger Things.
The first four episodes premiere on November 26th, the next three are released on December 25th, and the last episode of the entire season is released on December 31st.
Fans have been anticipating the final season of this beloved show for a long time.
Upon seeing the release schedule for Season 5, many loyal viewers were understandably upset.
Netflix timed the releases for each episode batch around major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s).
Furthermore, the number of episodes released is not consistent, which may make the viewing experience feel disjointed.
Considering Stranger Things is one of Netflix’s biggest shows, it’s safe to say that the streamer dropped the ball with this decision.
Especially in the current streaming landscape, this release style appears to be a growing issue with Netflix’s scripted TV show releases.
With this in mind, let’s examine why Netflix has been struggling with its streaming release model.
Weekly and Staggered Releases Generate More Conversation
Binge-watching shows has been popular even before the invention of streaming.
However, the broadcast model has been around for a long time. Audiences have grown used to weekly releases and waiting a year between seasons of a long-running shows.
Now, with streaming, fans have to wait a few years for a new season that often drops all at once, especially on Netflix.
The broadcast model is effective for generating conversation.
Having a week between episodes allows fans time to discuss and theorize between episodes. With Stranger Things’ release schedule, there’s almost too much time between episode batches, where conversation may spark for a week after the release but will eventually fade out.
Additionally, a traditional weekly release schedule builds hype throughout the season, culminating in the season finale. Fans can bond over their mutual anticipation.
Weekly conversations also contribute to the water cooler effect.
Having a broadcast model can help build a dedicated audience in ways that only TV shows can.
Of course, Netflix is known for its binge-release model. There are many instances where their shows have garnered significant attention and sparked extensive online conversation.
However, it does seem that Netflix has to rely on getting big hits right from the start.
Shows that don’t get as much attention as Bridgerton, then don’t have a chance at building an audience.
Netflix’s Competitors Don’t Use the Binge Release Model
Netflix is one of the few streaming platforms that doesn’t adhere to weekly release schedules, even for its streaming-only shows.
Apple TV+ released episodes of Severance, which is how the show gained popularity during its second season.
Prime Video employs a weekly release schedule for many of its most popular shows, including The Boys and Invincible.
Again, Netflix’s specialty might be its binge-streaming schedule.
But that was when streaming was new. Many people are becoming fatigued from shows being released all at once.
For Stranger Things in particular, each episode is almost the length of a movie. So, instead of having a week between each to allow audiences to process the story.
The holiday-aligned release streaming schedule also means that people may not have enough time during the holidays to tune in.
Especially with each release consisting of several episodes, fans may feel more pressured by the thought of getting spoiled.
This is much more different than wanting to make time to watch the episodes intentionally, like broadcast shows demand.
So, Netflix, it might be time to reconsider the binge-streaming model.
It’s time for the streamer to commit to building a dedicated fan base through weekly streaming releases.
What do you think, Fanatics? Do you prefer weekly releases or binge-releases?
Comment your thoughts below!
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