The rapid rise of Netflix helped coin the term binge-watching. All of these box sets in one place and the disruptive tactic of dropping entire original seasons at once has allowed users to feast on shows until they’re satisfied.
However, it turns out that Netflix isn’t too keen on runtime. In fact, according to actor Guy Pearce, it would rather do without it altogether.
In an interview with Empire Magazine’s podcast, the Aussie star revealed that Netflix specifically asked him not to mention the dreaded “binge-watching” during the promotion of new Netflix Original series The Innocents.
“I don’t think Netflix likes the term ‘binge,'” Pearce said (via IndieWire). “When we did the promotion for in the US, we were strictly instructed beforehand not to talk about ‘binge-watching’.”
Related: What’s New on Netflix
Given the unhealthy connotations associated with the word “binge,” it’s hardly surprising that Netflix wants to avoid the term whenever possible.
Binge drinking and binge eating are considered unhealthy pastimes, as is sitting on the couch for 10 hours at a time chasing through a season of Stranger Things on Netflix. Netflix itself used the term back in 2013 when it sent out a press release to promote the first season of House of Cards.
It’s not clear what the company would prefer. Perhaps the company will henceforth speak of “observation marathons”? Perhaps the company will choose to issue polite warnings when a new series is dropped, urging viewers to “watch responsibly”?
Supernatural drama The Innocents arrived on Netflix on August 24th. You can binge watch, I mean, enjoy your free time this weekend if you wish.
Do you associate the term binge watch with bad habits? What was the last thing you blasted through on the streaming platform in a short amount of time? Message us at @TrustedReviews on Twitter.