Planet Money The summer I turned binge-y
88 snips
Dec 24, 2025 
Pedro Ferreira, a professor from Carnegie Mellon specializing in consumer behavior, joins the discussion on the impact of binge-watching. He explores how Netflix's binge-drop strategy contributed to its rise, while also examining the dark side—how binge-watchers often churn out faster. Ferreira shares intriguing research showing that weekly releases can retain viewers better and foster community engagement. The conversation dives into hybrid release strategies and the future of content consumption as Netflix navigates its evolving approach.
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Streaming Began As A Small Experiment
- Netflix's early streaming launch in 2007 started with a small library and low streaming limits, but it signaled a shift away from DVDs.
- That modest experiment set the stage for Netflix's later strategic moves into original content and binge drops.
Breaking Bad's Netflix Discovery Moment
- Kenny recounts how Netflix's acquisition of Breaking Bad dramatically increased the show's audience through binge discovery.
- He cites Netflix executives saying 50,000 people watched an entire season in one day before the final season premiere.
House Of Cards Normalized Binge Drops
- House of Cards' 2013 all-at-once release normalized the binge-drop model and reshaped industry expectations.
- Reed Hastings framed it as giving viewers book-like choice, accelerating the shift to internet TV.