NBC Lead the Way Forward Using Netflix’s Binge Viewing Tactic
by Nav Qateel
In a first for traditional network television, NBC announced it will release its new show Aquarius in its entirety, on the same evening of its May 28th 2-hour premiere, on NBC.com, the NBC app and VOD. The full season will be available for a four-week period, with each episode still running weekly on NBC, Thursdays at 9/8c.
In the announcement, NBC Entertainment Chairman Bob Greenblatt explained: “With Aquarius we have the opportunity to push some new boundaries to give our audience something no broadcast network has done before.”
Greenblatt went on to say: “We are fully aware how audiences want to consume multiple episodes of new television series faster and at their own discretion, and we’re excited to offer our viewers this same experience since all 13 episodes of this unique show have been produced and are ready to be seen.”
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Starring David Duchovny as Sam Hodiak, Aquarius is set in 1967 Los Angeles. Homicide Detective Hodiak, a decorated war veteran, is investigating the disappearance of the 16-year-old daughter of an old flame. Aided by undercover vice cop, Brian Shafe (Grey Damon), the investigation leads the pair to none other than Charles Manson (played by Gethin Anthony, who Game of Thrones‘ fans will recognise as Renly Baratheon). The 13 episode Aquarius, will show the two years leading up to the infamous murders committed by the Manson Family.
This is a clear indicator that Netflix were onto something when they started releasing their shows a full season at a time, allowing viewers to decide how and when they would watch. It should be a safe bet that this is only the beginning for network TV, and a welcome addition to how we watch serialized fare from now on.
Do you think this is how shows should be released? Leave your comments below.
