Netflix has been implementing a new strategy of breaking up seasons of its popular shows into multiple parts, causing frustration among viewers. This approach was initially attributed to production delays, but it has now become a common practice for many of the streaming giant's series.
The latest example of this trend is the final season of Cobra Kai, which has been divided into three parts. The first part, consisting of five episodes, is now available for streaming on Netflix. Part 2 is scheduled to air on November 15, while Part 3 has an unspecified release date in 2025. This staggered release schedule means that viewers will have to wait at least six months, if not longer, to watch the entire season.
While Netflix's decision to split seasons may be aimed at retaining subscribers over an extended period, it has had a negative impact on the viewing experience. The fragmented release schedule disrupts the flow of the show and may even influence how show creators structure their episodes to accommodate the breaks.
Other Netflix shows, such as That '90s Show, have also been divided into multiple parts, further adding to viewer frustration. It is likely that future seasons of popular series like Wednesday and Squid Game will follow a similar pattern of being split into multiple parts.
This departure from Netflix's traditional binge-watching model has drawn criticism from viewers who prefer to consume entire seasons in one sitting. The shift towards segmented releases has raised concerns about the quality of storytelling and pacing in shows that are designed to be watched in a continuous format.
Overall, Netflix's decision to break up seasons into multiple parts appears to be driven by a desire to prolong viewer engagement and subscription retention. However, it has resulted in a less satisfying viewing experience for many fans who have come to expect a more seamless binge-watching experience from the streaming service.
