Every Tuesday morning, the author engages in a debrief with others, discussing plot developments and theories about what might come next. They recently enjoyed the show Succession, which built up intrigue each week until culminating in a satisfying final episode. The show 3 Body Problem was a season dump, with all episodes released at once. Despite binge-watching the entire season on the first day, the author now has to wait for others to catch up to discuss it without revealing spoilers.
The communal aspect of watching television has been lost in the age of on-demand viewing. The author reflects on the shared experience of watching event television and live sports, noting that they can serve as conversation-starters and bring people together. They recall a childhood memory of the collective viewing experience when Molly Jones died on A Country Practice, sparking discourse among adults and leaving a lasting impression on the author. The decline in shared cultural experiences due to binge-watching and all-season dumps is seen as a loss.
The author highlights the communal nature of watching television and the social aspect of participating in real-time discussions or catch-ups after viewing. Despite the convenience of on-demand viewing, there is a sense of loss in the absence of shared experiences and conversations generated by watching television together. Reflecting on past memories of watching event television like A Country Practice, the author emphasizes the significance of these communal viewing experiences and laments their decline in the current era of binge-watching.
The author shares their experience of engaging in debriefs and discussions about television shows, such as the recently watched Succession and 3 Body Problem. They comment on the satisfaction of unraveling plot developments and speculating about future twists in a communal setting. The loss of communal viewing experiences due to on-demand viewing platforms is seen as a drawback, as it dilutes the shared experience of watching television together with others.
Reflecting on memories of watching A Country Practice and experiencing the collective shock and discourse surrounding a major character’s death, the author underscores the value of shared cultural experiences through television. They lament the decline of communal viewing experiences in the age of binge-watching, noting that on-demand viewing may have unintended consequences in terms of diminishing shared conversations and social interactions around television shows. Despite the convenience of streaming services, the loss of communal viewing may have a wider impact on cultural discussions and social connections.
In conclusion, the author observes the diminishing communal aspect of watching television in the era of on-demand viewing and all-season dumps. They emphasize the value of shared experiences generated by event television and live sports, and the conversations it sparks among viewers. The decline of communal viewing experiences is seen as a loss, with memories of past television events serving as a reminder of the social connections and cultural significance of watching television together. Despite the convenience of binge-watching, the author questions whether something has been lost in the shift towards on-demand viewing.
