5 Ways that Cliffhangers Make Us Binge

Ah, the television cliffhanger: a tantalizing pause, a moment of suspense, a revelation that has us screaming, “What just happened?!” In recent years, the proliferation of streaming platforms and the accessibility of series has enabled many of us to delve into long hours of binge-watching. A significant factor behind our inability to press pause? Those irresistible cliffhangers. Here’s a dive into five compelling ways cliffhangers have us glued to our screens, referencing some of the most nail-biting moments from the past decade.

They Tap Into Our Innate Curiosity

Humans are inherently curious creatures. We crave answers and resolution. Cliffhangers exploit this trait masterfully. Take the series “Stranger Things” for instance. At the end of its first season, Eleven battles the Demogorgon and then… disappears. Where did she go? Is she alive? We need to know. And thus, the play-next-episode countdown begins.

They Elicit Strong Emotional Responses

Powerful emotions, whether of surprise, shock, or sorrow, tend to create an attachment. This emotional investment in the story and its characters makes us yearn for more. HBO’s “Game of Thrones” was a maestro in this arena. Remember the infamous ‘Red Wedding’? Fans were left in shock, horror, and disbelief. The emotional turmoil was so intense, it made waiting for the next episode excruciating – and binging inevitable for latecomers to the show.

They Create a Shared Social Experience

In an age of social media, cliffhangers not only prompt individual binge-watching but collective discussions. The more shocking the cliffhanger, the more it’s discussed and dissected online, urging others to catch up. “The Mandalorian” provided such a moment with the reveal of Baby Yoda. Who was this adorable creature? The internet was abuzz, memes were born, and anyone not watching was suddenly feeling a dire case of FOMO.

They Promise More Intrigue Ahead

Cliffhangers work as a promise. They hint at further layers to be unfolded, mysteries to be resolved, and character arcs to be completed. “Westworld“, with its convoluted timeline and intricate plot twists, consistently employed cliffhangers to hint at deeper mysteries of the park and the nature of consciousness. These unresolved questions and teases made clicking on the next episode an offer too tempting to refuse.

They Challenge Our Predictions

There’s something delightful in being proven wrong in our predictions, or in a plot twist we didn’t see coming. It re-engages our interest, challenges our perceptions, and renews our commitment to the narrative. “How to Get Away with Murder” mastered this technique. Each episode’s end often unraveled a piece of the larger puzzle, contradicting previous assumptions and leaving viewers eager to know the real story.

In conclusion, cliffhangers are more than just a tease – they’re an art. An art that TV show creators have honed over the years to ensure viewers remain engaged, invested, and, yes, bingeing. The next time you find yourself watching “just one more episode”, remember the crafty cliffhanger is likely the culprit behind your TV marathon. And with the caliber of television we’ve been treated to in the past decade, who can really resist?