Many Filipinos get hooked on Netflix shows early—study

Thanks to a rich selection of content made available to Filipinos since Netflix was introduced early this year, fans were able to discover shows to fall in love with and enjoy—from old favorites, such as Gossip Girl and Suits, to new and original programs Narcos and Orange is the New Black. But with so much to watch, how long does it take before Filipinos decide to commit to a series?

Spoiler alert: It goes beyond the first episode.

Examining global viewing of more than 60 shows, Netflix pinpointed the specific episode that transformed watchers from casual to committed. That is, 70 percent of viewers who watched this episode went on to complete the first season.

The Netflix study reveals that viewers today do not base their decision to finish a series on the first episode alone. “Given the precious nature of primetime slots on traditional television, a series pilot is arguably the most important point in the life of the show,” said Ted Sarandos, chief content officer for Netflix.

“Yet, in our research across the region, we found that no one was ever hooked on the first episode. This matches with our viewing data in other parts of the world, and gives us the confidence that great, original stories travel when commercial breaks and appointment viewings are stripped away,” he added.

Also, Netflix discovered that viewing behavior, and fandom, is becoming increasingly universal —and Filipino Netflix subscribers are getting into this behavior, too, as they get total control of their entertainment experience.

In fact, Filipino subscribers were drawn to the world of Narcos in the same episode as those in Argentina (Episode 3), while fear of the unknown had fans in Singapore and France reeling for Stranger Things (Episode 2). Meanwhile, love had viewers in filmfest

South Korea, India, Italy, and Ireland smitten with Gilmore Girls (Episode 8).

Whether they live in the Philippines or Poland, Singapore or Sweden, Netflix subscribers are not only getting hooked on similar episodes, but also identifying with similar storylines.

While there’s some consistency around how fans around the world get hooked on episodes, there are some interesting viewing behaviors found among fans in the Philippines. For example, Filipino viewers easily get hooked early on with shows that allow them to live vicariously through law-breaking characters featured in such shows as Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, How to Get Away with Murder, and Narcos. Filipinos also prefer a long brew for their dose of superhero justice with Marvel’s Daredevil and Jessica Jones.