Photo: ©Netflix
As we prepare for Frank Underwood to take over the Oval Office in the Netflix hit series, "House of Cards," (which debuted its third season Feb. 27), a new survey set out to gain insight into the all-too-familiar practice of binge watching.
Results of the CENTURY 21 Real Estate commissioned “Binge Watching Survey” touched base with over 4,000 U.S. adults. In anticipation of this week’s release of the Kevin Spacey led series, CENTURY 21 sought to gain insight into the prevalent practice of binge watching, (aka, the viewing of multiple episodes of a TV program in rapid succession), which has become an increasingly common method of media consumption. (Drop the act! We all know how fast you sped through "Orange is the New Black" last summer!)
The results showed that 58 percent of U.S. adults have binge watched a show before, making those who haven't the official minority. Nearly all (99 percent) of these viewers are bingeing in their own home, and 70 percent are not watching alone as they admit to bingeing with other people. However, 62 percent of co-bingers say they have or would "cheat" on their TV companion to continue watching a show ahead of their partner.
Findings:
- Fifty-eight percent of U.S. adults have binge watched a TV show or series.
- Millennials, at 78 percent, demonstrate the largest demographic of binge watchers.
- Sixty-two percent of co-bingers have or would “binge cheat” on a TV-watching partner in order to watch ahead in their favorite television series.
- Unmarried co-bingers are significantly more likely than their married counterparts to say they have ever cheated on a binge partner (44 percent vs. 31 percent, respectively).
Where Are They Watching?
- Of all binge watchers, 99 percent say they binge watch in the comfort of their own homes.
- Nearly six in ten (58 percent) state the living room as the most popular binge watching location.
- Unmarried bingers (57 percent) are significantly more likely than married bingers (37 percent) to binge in the bedroom.
Who They're Watching With
- Additionally, seven in ten (70 percent) bingers are co-bingers, watching with others.
- Among those who do, 71 percent do so with a spouse, partner or significant other.
- About a quarter binge with friends (26 percent) or children (24 percent), and more than one in ten binge with siblings (15 percent) or parents (13 percent).
- Nearly half (48 percent) of binge watchers who are parents with kids under 18 in their household say they binge with their children.
So, how long will it take you to hammer through "House of Cards?"
Nick Caruso is RISMedia's Senior Editor. His last binge was the Amazon Original series "Transparent," starring Jeffrey Tambor.
