Netflix is facing questions over whether its binge-release model can sustain audience interest as growth slows and competition for viewers intensifies. The company transformed television by releasing full seasons at once, but sharp falls in audiences for several returning series have prompted concerns that viewers are less likely to stay invested in programmes that are released and cancelled quickly.

Analysis cited by the article found second-season audiences for shows including One Piece, Beef, The Night Agent and Avatar: The Last Airbender fell by 30% to 70%, with further declines in third seasons. Netflix has reduced the frequency of public viewing and subscriber-growth reporting, while its average cancellation rate is about 22%—similar to other major streamers, though higher than traditional broadcasters, which often allow programmes to develop over five or six series. Rivals such as Disney+, HBO Max and Apple TV have had success with weekly releases, challenging Netflix’s all-at-once approach.