Netflix has traditionally embraced the binge-watching model by releasing entire seasons at once. However, the trend of splitting seasons has gained traction recently, prompting Netflix’s content leader to shed light on the reasoning behind it.
The Shift to Split Seasons: Origins and Ongoing Trends
In the early days of streaming television, Netflix’s innovative binge model raised questions about whether this approach would set the standard across the industry.
Years later, Netflix is mainly unique in its strategy of releasing full seasons at once, while platforms like Apple TV+, Max, and Disney+ tend to favor weekly episode releases.
Rather than leading a shift toward binge-dropping, Netflix has shown a growing openness to emulating the strategies of its competitors. While the platform still primarily adheres to its release model, several major shows like Stranger Things, The Crown, Bridgerton, and Emily in Paris have recently been rolled out in split seasons.
Bela Bajaria, the Chief Content Officer at Netflix, recently discussed this practice during an interview with Deadline.
“Some of those decisions were influenced by circumstances; it was during Covid and strikes, allowing for quicker releases so audiences wouldn’t have to wait too long,” she stated. “Often, these choices are driven by creators themselves. For example, Peter Morgan on The Crown and Shonda Rhimes on Bridgerton preferred to structure their seasons in a way that felt like a natural emotional breakpoint. There’s no fixed rule; it ultimately depends on what’s best for the show.”
While her comments about initiatives taken during COVID and strikes are compelling reasons for Netflix’s initial move to split seasons, the continued practice appears to stem primarily from creators’ preferences.
Finding a Balance: Viewer Happiness vs. Financial Interests
When Bajaria was questioned about reports of ‘mixed results’ linked to this new method—such as subscriber dissatisfaction and viewer dropout between parts one and two—she responded defiantly.
“I wouldn’t categorize it as mixed results,” Bajaria emphasized.
Bajaria possesses the complete data to evaluate the effectiveness of Netflix’s split-season model. Nevertheless, the ongoing implementation of this strategy suggests she may be correct.
Regardless of audience opinions, the decision to split seasons of popular shows helps Netflix prolong subscriber engagement and generates heightened excitement for new season launches. In essence, Netflix can maintain its reputation for binge drops while reaping some benefits from staggered releases.
What do you think about Netflix’s split-season strategy? Do you prefer binge drops, or do you enjoy more gradual releases? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Top Accessories for iPhone
: . More.
