Netflix has adopted a divisive release model for some of its popular ongoing shows, including Cobra Kai, that involves splitting seasons into multiple parts released months apart. This strategy aims to prolong the life of a new season to retain subscribers, but it has drawn criticism from viewers who prefer the traditional binge-watching model. The decision to delay the final five episodes of Cobra Kai’s sixth season until 2025 has left many fans frustrated and considering canceling their subscriptions. Despite Netflix’s initial explanation of unfinished post-production causing delays, it now seems that the real issue lies in extending subscriptions rather than completing the season.
In response to this release model, which has also been applied to other popular series like The Witcher, Stranger Things, and Bridgerton, there is a call for a return to a more natural viewing experience. The suggestion is to release the first few episodes of a season in the first week and then switch to a weekly release schedule, allowing for a more balanced viewing experience that keeps audiences engaged over a longer period. This approach has been successfully employed by competing streaming services and offers benefits for both subscribers and Netflix by extending the conversation around the show and maintaining viewer interest.
The debate between those who prefer binge-watching and those who advocate for weekly releases continues, but the current multi-part release schedule seems to satisfy neither group. While some viewers enjoy the excitement of binging a new season all at once, others miss the shared viewing experience and anticipation of weekly releases. A weekly release schedule allows for more in-depth discussions and analysis of each episode and can benefit producers and writers by allowing them to craft storylines that capitalize on cliffhangers and maintain audience engagement over an extended period. This approach can also mitigate post-production issues by prioritizing the completion of earlier episodes before focusing on later installments.
Netflix has the capacity to implement a more balanced release strategy, as demonstrated with the successful weekly release of certain shows like Delicious In Dungeon. By adopting a structured release schedule that combines the convenience of binge-watching with the anticipation of weekly releases, Netflix can better cater to the preferences of its diverse audience. While the multi-part release model may have its advantages for extending subscriptions, a more viewer-friendly approach could ultimately benefit both Netflix and its subscribers in the long run.
