Appointment Viewing Beats Binge-Watching, Change My Mind

Superfans and new fans alike are hooked on the Disney+ original WandaVision. I’m not all that in tune with the Marvel Comic Universe, but I’m entranced by WandaVision’s unique storyline, complex characters, and the ultimate cliffhangers every week.

I was a little shook, however, to find that I have to wait every Friday for a new episode – but it reminds me of a simpler time when appointment viewing was the only option.

Should shows abandon the model of releasing the entire season at once or should binge-watching continue to reign supreme?

Gone are the days of bulky television sets and tuning in at a specific time to catch your favorite show. Nowadays, the list is neverending with different streaming devices, recording options, and the endless amount of shows that you could binge in a day. So why would a modern breakout show like WandaVision or The Mandalorian break that mold?

“I think it’s brilliant,” Michael Rock said on Michael and Maddie this morning.“It’s like that woman at the bar that plays cat-and-mouse with you. They give you a little hope every Friday, then leave you with a cliffhanger, forcing you to return to the club the next week.”

It keeps the viewer wanting more each week instead of spoon-feeding the fan, and I think that’s why I enjoy it so much. Friday night has become date night for Ross and me. We discuss the prior week’s episode, anticipate the new one, and review it afterward.

Also, Ross enjoys the fact that I can’t get ahead of him on episodes. I’ll admit it, I’m that person in the relationship who secretly skips ahead on shows that we are supposed to watch together. I just need to know what happens immediately, just like everyone else who is familiar with binge-watching. WandaVision switches it up by understanding that viewers want what they can’t have and leave you wanting more weekly.

They certainly have me hooked. How about you?