Binge-Watching Behaviors: Conceptualization, Motives, Demographics, and Program Genre Preferences

Binge-watching is a notable phenomenon that is changing the production, distribution, and consumption of television programs. This study conceptualizes binge-watching by comparing and contrasting binge-watching with binge-eating and binge-drinking. Applying the uses and gratifications theory, this study also investigates differences between binge-watchers and nonbinge-watchers, and identifies predictors of binge-watching behaviors including frequency, the amount of time spent binge-watching, and the quantity of binge-watching episodes. A national survey of U.S. adults (N = 663) found significant differences between binge-watchers and nonbinge-watchers in terms of the degree to which they depend on television shows to satisfy various psychological needs. Results also indicate that entertainment, habitual passing of time, and escape motives, as well as age and preference for action/adventure, crime, and mystery genres predict binge-watching frequency.