Netflix Is Releasing More Shows on a Weekly Basis, and It Makes Sense

“Great British Baking Show” fans are thrilled the competition series is back on Netflix, but something’s a little different this year. Instead of dropping all at once after the season has fully aired on the UK’s Channel Four, amateur baking fans can watch the latest episode just days after it premieres across the pond. For those who just can’t wait to see what happens each week, this is great news. But for others used to bingeing a season in one sitting, it’s a big change—and one Netflix plans on using more often.

According to Hypebeast, the streaming service is switching up its drop-all-at-once strategy in some cases for a week-by-week release. In addition to “GBBS,” the new rap competition show with Cardi B, T.I., and Chance the Rapper, “Rhythm & Flow,” will premiere in October with four episodes, followed by three episodes, the following week, and the final three episodes the week after.

Ever since Netflix debuted streaming TV, it became even easier for viewers to binge watch new series and old favorites. And while the practice isn’t exactly great for our sleep, many have adapted to the habit, and find it hard to adjust when watching a show that comes out weekly. Sometimes you need to know what happens right.this.second.

But weekly episodes build suspense, and in the case of competition shows or scripted series with dramatic twists, help avoid spoilers from those who’ve already devoted a weekend to finish a season. Folks with less TV time can still be a part of the cultural conversation if only an hour is required each week, Fatherly points out.

While Disney+ and Apple TV, both debuting in November, will feature mostly week-to-week releases, it doesn’t seem like Netflix is about to abandon the full season drop entirely. Hulu has experimented with both weekly and all-at-once releases.