Assignment 7: Binge Watching (Old, New, Domestic, or Global)
Binge-watching saw a significant increase during the 2020 quarantine, with about 65% of viewers on several streaming platforms.
The trend of binge-watching offers interesting statistics and facts regarding several different age groups and streaming habits. Before my research, I assumed my age group (18-29) offered the most data on binging tv shows, but according to Statista, the age group between 30 and 44 years old, admitted to most likely indulging in binge-watching.
Several different shows have been at the forefront of binge-watching trends over the past decade, demonstrating different streaming trends over time. This 2021 edition of Business Insider, lists the most binge-watched tv shows in September of last year.
PopSugar offers another list of the most binge-watched shows of all time featuring many Netflix original shows such as Stranger Things, Squid Game, Bridgerton, and 13 Reasons Why.
Stranger Things (season one) takes place in the 1980s, following the story of a group of friends and their encounters with supernatural forces. The beginning of the show unravels with young Will Byers being taken into another dimension. As his friends search for him, they come into contact with a girl with strange powers and dark history.
Out of all these shows, Stranger Things stands out to me for several different reasons. Stranger Things had set the previous record for the most binge-watched show on Netflix, with over 40.7 million Netflix accounts worldwide streaming episodes of the third season.
One of the reasons why Stranger Things is such a successful show is because of the appeal to multiple age groups.
Obviously, it has a strong following of a younger audience, who are drawn by the intensity of the show, as well as the connections formed between themselves and the characters. For example, when I first started the show I was roughly the same age as the characters, and watching them endure normal middle school and high school struggles, as well as their supernatural encounters, allowed me to create my own personal connection to them. And even though I did not grow up in the 80s, seeing a different time period portrayed within a modern idea of science fiction, is a major factor in my attraction to the show.
Not only does Stranger Things attract younger audiences, but the show also draws in a large percentage of older audiences as well. When I talk about "older audiences", I am referencing age groups who grew up in the 80s, like our parents. For example, my mom loved watching Stranger Things with my sisters and me and it was obvious she enjoyed the nostalgic experience it provided, she constantly pointed out references and actors from popular 80s movies, featured in the show.
Stranger Things is one of the first TV shows that I ever binge-watched after I waited months to hop on the trend. FOMO (fear of missing out) has a great impact on the trend of binge-watching. When a new television show hits a streaming service, most of my social media will transform into an almost accidental promotional platform because of the numerous memes, TikToks, and references to shows. leaving me in the dark if I don't understand.
@parkerlocke I’m back!! Kickin things off with a recreation of my first ever movie/tv video just over 1 yr ago... Stranger Things #strangerthings #upsidedown #fyp ♬ Stranger Things (Main Theme) - I Love TV Themes
Each season's release of Stranger Things has resulted in a significant increase in viewers and binge-watching audiences. And the long-anticipated wait for Stranger Things 4 is expected to increase viewership in a dramatic way.
Stranger Things Season 1 Trailer (2016)
When season 1 of Stranger Things was released in 2016, within the first 35 days of its release, over 14.97 million people in the United States streamed the show. The popularity of the show grew as people became interested in why a bald girl wearing a hospital gown holding waffles was taking over the internet, leading to Stranger Things pop culture take over.
Stranger Things Season 2 Trailer (2017)
A year after the first season's release, the Duffer Brothers finally gave the people what they wanted, a second season. The second season was held with high hopes and strong anticipation, growing the audience to 15.8 million people premiering the show within the first few days of the release. The Duffer Brothers appealed to the nostalgic feel of the show and pulled at their audience's attraction to science fiction, while not overpowering in a specific genre.
Stranger Things Season 3 Trailer (2019)
According to The Verge, Stranger Things Season 3 reached over 64 million member households within the first month of its release. The release of the third season was record-breaking, making it the most popular Stranger Things season to date.
Stranger Things season 4 has been the most anticipated and long-awaited season of the award-winning show. Since the last season was released almost 3 years ago, fans have been not so patiently waiting for answers to a dramatic and intense previous season. Recently the stars of the show and official Stranger Things social media have released the newest up-to-date information about the new season.
Each season of Stranger Things grows with the time period of the show, transitioning from the early 80s to the 90s. These cultural differences inside the show impact the nostalgic appeal of the show, as well as the science fiction appeal. Each season features appropriate references to trends, styles, and events during that given time period.
The new season will be released in two parts, Volume One will release on May 27th, and Volume Two will release a few weeks later on July 1st.
Because of the show's legacy, the newest season is sure to draw in a record-breaking amount of viewers, creating a trend of binge-watching inside the Stranger Things universe for the 4th release in a row.
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