Netflix has long stuck to its signature model of releasing entire seasons of shows at once. In recent years, however, it has increasingly resorted to splitting seasons into two parts, as seen with Stranger Things, The Crown, Bridgerton, and Emily in Paris. The sixth season of Cobra Kai is even divided into three parts. Bela Bajaria, Netflix's head of content, has now explained what led to this decision.
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Originally, the change was driven by Covid restrictions and Hollywood strikes that slowed production. Splitting seasons allowed viewers to see new episodes sooner without having to wait for the full series. But Bajaria says creative intent is now key – for example, Peter Morgan on The Crown and Shonda Rhimes on Bridgerton felt that certain plot twists deserved a natural break to keep viewers hooked.
Netflix is also addressing its business interests by doing so. Splitting seasons will keep viewers paying for their subscription for longer, and each episode will also receive more media coverage. Although some users are unhappy with the split-season approach, Netflix clearly considers this strategy a success and plans to continue it. What are your thoughts on this approach?
I really like the "old" system, one part every week. So I lived with the series much longer. I remember those game of thr daysones how I waited for a new episode every week. And the whole internet was alive. Now, it's 5.2.25 and I don't even remember the second season of the squid game, I really liked it. But on the contrary, I remember the feelings of the penultimate series of game of thronewith during those weeks.