7. Binge Watching

 

Binge Watching: The Traitors 

    Just about everyone in society binges watches TV shows, movies, and/ or video content in one way or another. While some binge watch on a regular basis, others may only binge watch on the rare occasion. With the new trend of streaming services releasing multiple or all episodes of a TV shows season instead of one episode per week has led to a rise in binge watching trends. Seventy- seven percent of American in 2025 stated that they binge watch on a monthly basis according to Britannica. Those in the Gen Z group, those born between 1997 and 2021, are the most likely group to binge-watch. 

    While some claim that binge watching is a negative thing it could also have some positives. For one according to Britannica experts have stated that binge watching can create a sense of community or a "shared cultural space." This can create a source of discussions between people who have also watched the show or movie. Binge-watching can also be a great activity for strengthening romantic relationships. Heidi McBain, a professional counselor, stated that "if both people are partaking without distractions, laughing together, holding hands... quality time is being fostered."  

    Binge-watching can also be a good stress relief as it releases dopamine in the brain. By planning a night or a day to simple do nothing other than watch TV and enjoy a nice meal or snacks it can be a great method in relieving stress. Psychologists have stated that if viewers lack the feeling of control or power in their daily lives, finishing a series can give viewers that feeling. 

    As the ice storm of January 2026 descended upon Arkansas there was very little to do. So in-between short trips outside me and my family would hideaway inside and enjoy the warmth, lots of snacks, and binge watching tv. One show in particular that we really enjoyed was The Traitors on Peacock. The show is combines suspense, mystery, half-truths and lies, blindsides and of course comedy all to create a truly binge-worthy show. In the show contestants are divided into two groups: the Faithfuls and the Traitors. The Faithfuls have been tasked with discovering the identity of the Traitors. If the Faithfuls can successfully remove all of the Traitors by the end of the game, they split the prize pot that they build by doing challenges throughout the game. However, while the Faithfuls are playing murder mystery and growing more anxious the Traitors are picking them off one by one. If there are any Traitors in the end, then they must reveal themselves and take the prize pot all for themselves. 

     The Traitors franchise is a world-wide phenomenon. Countries with spin offs include Belgium, France, Greece, Germany, Israel, and even an unlicensed version was released in Russia in 2022. Overall, there is over twenty countries that have a spin off version of Traitors. The Traitors franchise all began in 2021 in the Netherlands. So how is it that a show that almost never made it off the ground and Dutch commissioners once stated that they were warry of the shows pull factor became a global phenomenon? Well, the show feeds off the idea that humans "can't stand not being able to trust those around them" states show creator Marc Pos who came to realize after watching news programs during the pandemic that humans have been become less trusting. From this Pos created what he claims is a social experiment which is the Traitors. From there the Traitors franchise was born. While it was a concern about the audience knowing the identities of the traitors it has become to be one of the shows greatest factors. Viewers feed off the feeling of knowing something that the cast does not know. It is a similar feeling to when a character in a horror movie decides hiding in the closet is a good idea while the audience knows that the worst idea possible.  You add all of this together along with celebrity cast and a very dramatic host equipped with dark humor and you have captured the audience attention for the long haul. 

    In conclusion, while binge watching gets a bad wrap it actually has some benefits. It can help reduce stress and anxiety while also providing entertainment and escape from reality. Like all things when in moderation binge watching can actually be a good thing.