Modern streaming audiences are absolutely spoiled for choice. Netflix, HBO Max, Amazon, Paramount, and the rest drop new series so frequently that dozens of fun projects get lost in the shuffle. Netflix established the binge model with hits likeStranger Things, building an expectation of immediate releases. While many love watching every episode of a new show on the same day, a series likeFalloutdemonstrates the unique impact a staggered drop could have.
Amazon’sFalloutcaught morethan 1.5 million household views in its first week. It topped the streaming charts, beating out FX’s wildly popular and inarguably excellentShogunseries' penultimate episode. Video game adaptations have a long history of failure, often in critical and financial circumstances.Falloutfollows inThe Last of Us’s footsteps by defying expectations and succeeding in both metrics.
Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy
8
Rotten Tomatoes Score
94% based on 99 critics
All eight episodes ofFalloutdropped on April 10th, 2024. Amazonshifted its release dateback several times. They announced it for the 12th, pushed it back to the 11th, and then surprised audiences with another, even earlier release date. This comes at the end of a strange production period. Amazon acquired the rights in 2020, years after Jonathan Nolan approached Todd Howard and Bethesda with his idea for the series. His familiarity with the games and experience on projects likeWestworldallowed him to build an excellent adaptation. It’s a rare standout in a troubled market that produced enough bad video game movies to convince audiences that good ones were impossible.Falloutentered the conversation with a strong argument. It’s an excellent show that attained a solid viewership andconsiderable critical approval.
Streaming Shows Should Embrace Weekly Releases
Falloutis probably the best-case scenario for simultaneous streaming releases. It’s a show that works pretty well as a binge-watch offering. Its storyline flows through awide arc of varying content, ensuring fans won’t get bored during the eight-hour run. Its massive name also guaranteed a massive early audience. However, most fans likely know several people who haven’t gotten through the series despite really enjoying it. The show dropped at 9 p.m. on a Wednesday. Many working people would struggle to take it in. The following weekend would likely provide a perfect moment for fans to enjoy the series, but many would encounter the dread of half-finishing a series. The binge model leaves countless series unfinished, guaranteeing a strange burst of popularity followed by extended periods of silence. As critics and YouTube commentators rush to pump out opinions,official coverage becomes harder to come by. The binge model works, but it robs streaming shows of potential success.
Staggered releases provide Word of Mouth
A bad show benefits most from a simultaneous release. Tons of people will watch it in its first couple of days before they’ve had time to hear friends say it’s awful. A great show, conversely, succeeds on the back of positive attention from an adoring audience. Thiscan’t work if no one watches, but something likeFalloutwouldn’t have that problem.Falloutwould enjoy the same early turnout before gaining gradual growth through the power of positive word of mouth. Marketing can be difficult, but relying on fans to spread the news of a show’s unexpected success rarely fails. It’s an excellent show with a small army of hardcore fans. Official sources also lavished the show with praise, which would mount each week and guarantee a continued influx of curious viewers.
Staggered releases provide time to discuss
Imagine some of the twists and turns inFalloutwith an added seven-day timer between episodes. Those massive reveals would have lit up social media, keeping attention on the show for two months. The human brain finds familiarity with things it sees regularly. Keeping something in front of the world’s eyeballs would guarantee consistent viewership and subsequently increase the show’s profile. This also deepens the relationship fans have with the show. Everyone remembers discussing their favorite series on Twitter, joining waves with an army of fellow devotees.Falloutcould have developed as an ongoing story. ItbeatShogunin the viewershiprankings but didn’t enjoy the same slow drip of dozens of articles labeling it the best show on TV.
Falloutdoesn’t necessarily need a staggered release. It proved its success through its impressive viewership numbers and critical reception. However, not every show can beFallout. It was a perfect storm of elements drawing attention from a massive fanbase. The name guaranteed viewers, itsshowrunners nailed the adaptation, and the critics loved it.Falloutwould have succeeded under almost any circumstances, but countless other shows would struggle inFallout’s position. LetFalloutbe an example of what great, well-marketed shows can get away with an appropriately big name attached. Maybe everything else should show some restraint.
