The Great TV Debate: Binge Watch or Weekly Episodes (Why I love both Squid Game and Severance)

When it comes to watching TV shows, there are two camps: the binge-watchers, who consume entire seasons in one go, and the weekly-watchers, who patiently wait for episodes to drop like it’s 2010 again. Both styles have their perks and pitfalls, but what’s fascinating is how the release format impacts the way we experience a show—and how some shows might benefit from switching things up.

Let’s dive into the differences between binge-watch shows and weekly episodes while I use examples like Stranger Things, Squid Game, The Good Place, or Severance to explore how release strategies shape storytelling, fan engagement, and our overall viewing vibes.

Writing Styles: All-At-Once Binge-Watch (Squid Game) vs. Slow and Steady Weekly Episodes (Severance)

All-At-Once: When you drop all episodes at once (cough Netflix, looking at you), the writers know you’re probably going to watch more than one episode in a sitting. That changes everything. Writers of binge-worthy shows build stories with fewer “mini-cliffhangers” per episode because they don’t have to make you wait a week to come back. Instead, the hook is more like a magnet gently pulling you to press “Next Episode.” Think Stranger Things—episodes flow like one long movie. For example, Season 4’s Vecna storyline was written to snowball fast. You’re sucked in because the payoff keeps coming in every episode, and there’s no forced “pause” for you to overthink the plot holes.

The downside? There’s a risk of fatigue. After six hours of Squid Game, even you might say, “Okay, enough pink jumpsuits and death games for now.” (Or maybe not—it’s that good.) But the point is: pacing has to be tighter, because viewers can tap out anytime.

But here’s the thing: some binge shows could really thrive with weekly releases. Shows like Stranger Things or Squid Game have rich worlds and tons of characters, which would spark amazing week-to-week conversations. Imagine the theories people could cook up about a mysterious new villain or debating why a character made a risky choice. Instead, when a whole season drops at once, the collective experience is shortened. Fans binge the show, share their thoughts for a few weeks, and then it fades from the cultural conversation.

Slow and Steady:

Weekly released episodes in shows like Severance and Breaking Bad are a masterclass in suspenseful storytelling. Both shows know how to keep viewers hooked, with each episode designed as its own little cliffhanger-filled gem. Severance thrives on its slow-burn mystery, dropping tantalizing breadcrumbs about the eerie world of Lumon Industries while giving you just enough time to obsess over every cryptic line and visual clue. Similarly, Breaking Bad perfected the art of tension, with Vince Gilligan crafting episodes that ended in jaw-dropping moments (you know the ones) that left fans theorizing all week long. This format forces writers to make every episode feel essential—each twist, reveal, and emotional beat hits harder because you’ve had time to stew in anticipation. It’s a pacing style that thrives on fan engagement and makes the payoff even sweeter when the puzzle pieces finally click into place.

When the Format Matches the Story:

Some shows just fit their release strategy better. Here’s how:

• Stranger Things: While bingeing works for its blockbuster style, a weekly release could’ve amplified the excitement. Imagine debating fan theories about the Upside Down for weeks or freaking out with friends about what might happen next. The shared anticipation would take the hype to another level.

• Squid Game: The intense pacing of this show makes it perfect for binging, but imagine the cultural conversations a weekly release could’ve sparked. Each episode’s high-stakes games and character decisions would’ve left fans debating and theorizing for days.

• The Good Place: This show shines as an all-at-once drop release. The humour is light and digestible, and the philosophical undertones don't dive too deep. Plus, the episodic cliff-hangers make you eager for the next chapter.

• Severance: A perfect example of why weekly pacing works. The show’s mystery builds slowly, and each episode ends with just enough intrigue to keep you hooked. If it were binge-released, the layers of suspense might feel overwhelming, and fans wouldn’t have time to obsess over every detail.

Which One’s Better?

Honestly? Neither. It all depends on your vibe. If you love getting lost in a show and hate waiting, bingeing is your best friend. But if you’re here for the ride, savouring every twist and turn like a fine wine, weekly shows will always have your back.

That said, creators are getting savvier. Some (ahem, Disney+) are blending the two formats—dropping 2-3 episodes upfront to hook you, then switching to weekly. It’s the best of both worlds, right?

In the end, whether you’re binging Squid Game in one epic weekend or pacing yourself through Severance like a responsible adult, one thing’s for sure: great TV will always keep us coming back.

What’s your preference—are you Team Binge or Team Weekly? Let me know in the comments (and if you’ve got Severance hot takes, even better).