Welcome to the streaming era. While older adults still consume traditional television, that’s no longer the case for younger generations: those over 65 watch an average of six hours of TV daily, whereas 15- to 24-year-olds spend only 53 minutes—down by over 66% since 2010.
Does this mean they’re abandoning movies and shows altogether?
Not at all!
About 67% regularly use SVoD (Streaming Video on Demand) services.
SVoD is intended to improve viewer retention rates, allowing viewers to binge-watch episodes whenever they like. Yet, data reveals that completion rates are often lower than expected.
From the first episode to the finale: How does retention evolve?
Statistics on series start and completion rates show a wide range of viewer engagement. For example, Netflix’s global phenomenon Squid Game, a dystopian survival thriller, achieved an impressive 87% completion rate. In contrast, high-budget productions like 1899, which cost around 60 million euros for its first season, struggled with retention, with only 32% completion before it was canceled. Similarly, Evil and First Kill were both canceled after achieving completion rates of roughly 45%.
The reasons for viewer drop-off are numerous. Some viewers lose interest if the pacing slows, or the storyline becomes too complex. Competing distractions also play a role. With so many new shows constantly released, viewers often abandon a series halfway through to explore fresher content.
Keeping viewers engaged from start to finish
Series with high completion rates often use tighter pacing, shorter seasons, and cliffhangers to keep viewers hooked. Anthology formats, where each season tells a new story (like Fargo), can also retain audiences as the shorter commitment is more manageable. The French series Lupin, a modern adaptation of the famous Arsène Lupin novels, saw significant international success. Its split release strategy kept audiences engaged for months, with complex heists and cliffhanger endings driving viewers back. Another example, The Queen’s Gambit, about a chess prodigy, opted for a short 7-episode format to keep viewers engaged.
Another trend is the return of weekly releases, as seen with The Mandalorian on Disney+, which helps maintain buzz and anticipation over a longer period. In France, Le Bureau des Légendes successfully retained its audience across five seasons, blending intricate storylines with weekly releases, and became a critical success across Europe.
If you’re a producer looking to keep viewers engaged from start to finish, let’s connect!
