Netflix has been such a hot topic of late that it got me thinking: why is everyone unsubscribing? After all, it's crammed full of lots of great shows. The killer one, of course, being that Stranger Things is back for season 4. That was enough to get me to resubscribe to the streaming service.
But it got me musing about the way things used to be. I don't even mean that in a cranky old man kind of way. It's not explicitly nostalgia (is it?), it's about process. By which I mean that shows used to air once a week at a specific time, week by week by week. You'd tune in for the big event.
Netflix, which helped promote boxset binge culture, seems to almost have become a victim of its own success in that process. Dropping a whole amazing season in one go isn't necessarily a way to retain subscribers – it's a way for them to binge, then remove their credit card from the account, or move on to the next subscription service option, like Disney+.
- Can Stranger Things save Netflix? I've resubscribed because it's a must-watch show
- Love Stranger Things 4? The 5 shows to binge watch next
The 'Netflix weekly'
So how about it: the idea of a Netflix weekly release schedule? That more shows, such as Stranger Things, don't just plop into the available 'watch bin' all in one go. That you have to wait, excitedly, week by week to find out what happens next. And, the crucial business part: you'd have to remain subscribed to ensure you got to see it.
In fairness, this idea isn't entirely far-fetched: Netflix is already doing it with some shows. Better Call Saul being the key one. Stranger Things 4 is also an example of staggered release: part 1 aired from 27 May, while part 2 will arrive on 1 June, meaning you'll most likely remain subscribed for at least that two month period.
So perhaps we'll see more shows split into multi-part releases to retain subscriber base. I, for one, would remain locked into a Netflix subscription if that was more common. Perhaps looking to the past to save the future is something Netflix could consider more, because to me waiting week on week sure sounds better than an ad-supported model – by which point I'd struggle to see the difference over 'normal' TV really.
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
Mike is T3's Tech Editor. He's been writing about consumer technology for 15 years and his beat covers phones – of which he's seen hundreds of handsets over the years – laptops, gaming, TV & audio, and more. There's little consumer tech he's not had a hand at trying, and with extensive commissioning and editing experience, he knows the industry inside out. As the former Reviews Editor at Pocket-lint for 10 years where he furthered his knowledge and expertise, whilst writing about literally thousands of products, he's also provided work for publications such as Wired, The Guardian, Metro, and more.
-
Apple to go toe-to-toe with Meta – smart glasses expected
The brand is upping its spatial computing game – here's when to expect it
By Sam Cross Published
-
Vive la Renault 4! Iconic 60s Renault returns as all-electric family car
Drawing inspiration from the original Renault 4, the new EV wants to be everything to everyone
By Chris Hall Published
-
Netflix shows teaser for its biggest-ever show, before it even wraps shooting!
Stranger Things 5 is going to be huge
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Netflix has some huge news for Stranger Things fans
All good things must come to an end
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Stranger Things 5 gets first update – here's the predicted Netflix release date
Stranger Things writer's team shares day one image
By Matthew Forde Published
-
Stranger Things 4 Vol 2 finale looks epic – but it's bound to be unsatisfying
The Netflix trailer for the final two episodes of Stranger Things 4 looks incredible, but I can't get too excited...
By Mat Gallagher Last updated
-
Love Stranger Things 4? Watch these 5 shows next
Smashed through season 4 part 1 a bit quickly? Here are 5 Stranger Things alternatives to tide you over until part 2
By Mike Lowe Last updated
-
I've resubscribed to Netflix because Stranger Things S4 is a must-watch show
I cancelled Netflix due to the cost of living crisis, just like 200,000 other users. But Stranger Things has lured me back in yet again...
By Mike Lowe Last updated