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Netflix Is Introducing Adverts Between Episodes That Could Affect Your Binge-Watching

Netflix Is Introducing Adverts Between Episodes That Could Affect Your Binge-Watching

This simply won't do. We must take action, and we must do it NOW

Tom Wood

Tom Wood

After a long, hard day's work - or sometimes not - we all like to curl up in a comfy chair, or under a duvet, and get stuck into some serious binge-watching.

Since Netflix arrived, meaning that the days of waiting a whole week to see the next instalment of your favourite TV show are (in most cases) a thing of the past, the binge has become king.

Everyone has that one show that they can sit and watch for hours on end until Netflix has to check you've not just left it running, and you're still actually there.

Be it Breaking Bad, Orange Is the New Black, or whatever (Arrested Development here, since you've asked), doing nothing in front of a good show is one of the few things that are better in 2018 than the past.

Now, Netflix are looking at moving the goalposts again, and it could have a big effect on the marathon show sittings taking place around the globe.

It's that dreaded word again - advertising.

Certain shows are being interrupted during the usually seamless transition between episodes to plug other shows and movies available on the streaming platform.

This was reported on Reddit, when one disgruntled Netflixer (Netflicker? Netflixist?) said: "Netflix forced me to watch an unskippable ad for Better Call Saul."

So what do we think? End times, or a necessary way of keeping streaming platforms funded?

Now, Netflix have officially confirmed that this is what's happening. However, they were at pains to tell us that the adverts that you'll see are not 'unskippable' - completely outside of the fact that it isn't a word.

They said: "At Netflix, we conduct hundreds of tests every year so we can better understand what helps members more easily find something great to watch.

"A couple of years ago, we introduced video previews to the TV experience, because we saw that it significantly cut the time members spend browsing and helped them find something they would enjoy watching even faster.

"Since then, we have been experimenting even more with video based on personalised recommendations for shows and movies on the service or coming shortly and continue to learn from our members."

Hmm, that sounds ominous.

PA

Importantly, they continued: "In this particular case, we are testing whether surfacing recommendations between episodes helps members discover stories they will enjoy faster.

"It is important to note that a member is able to skip a video preview at any time if they are not interested."

Whether or not we'll be able to skip the adverts or not, that sounds like it will introduce at least one more click to your Netflix experience. Is this acceptable?

Rise up, citizens of Netflix, and take back your right to binge! Or alternatively, watch the previews if the shows look good and skip 'em if they don't. It's really up to you.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: TV and Film, Netflix, TV