It is so typical to hear people say “I binge watched an entire show this weekend.” We think nothing of it. Netflix’s popularity has made it acceptable and easy to do so. But remember back in the day when you had to wait a week for the next episode? When you had free time and didn’t waste your day watching Netflix? The traditional TV format is unequivocally superior to Netflix.

The TV format forces you to be patient and gives you something to look forward to on that special day of the week when your show was on. You are more invested in the show because of the patience and commitment you must have in order to wait each week to see what will happen next. It makes the show more rewarding than the instant gratification Netflix provides by waiting mere seconds before the next episode appears. Netflix’s format is not compatible with most shows as watching one episode after the next will surely lead to boredom. But the TV format keeps things exciting and interesting, plus you are not wasting hours of your day mindlessly watching one show after the other.

Another reason the TV format is far superior is the commercials. They are always strategically placed in order to reel you in and create more suspense. Netflix’s episodes provide little to no suspense with their commericial-less shows.

Overall, the TV format is more engaging for the viewer. It forces you to choose your show wisely as you will have to be patient during those tantalizing commercial breaks and six day waiting period till the next show. Netflix’s instant gratification is typically the hook that makes it profitable, but next time you’re watching Netflix, think about how engaged you truly are, and whether or not that matches your level of interest and engagement when you are watching a show on TV. I’m almost certain the TV show will trump Netflix every time.