NBC's internal research indicates that at least half of viewers are unlikely to watch a new show until they hear something positive about it — but they won't pick up an existing show (esp. in season 2) if they can't easily access / binge on everything that has come before.
That's one of the down sides of having ongoing storylines. And in the past that problem was insurmountable. But now it's easy … if the networks are willing to leave things up for streaming without playing fee-for-watching games.
I don't envy any media creator or purveyor in trying to come up with a financial model that works both for their bottom line and for their consumers. But what the consumer want, at least, is not a mystery.
Viewers Won’t Adopt Existing Series If They Can’t Easily Access All Past Episodes, NBC Research Chief Says – TCA
Nearly half of viewers say they wait until they’ve heard good things about a show before they will start watching it, said Alan Wurtzel, NBC’s President of Research and Media Developmen…
They are starting to catch on. SLOWLY. By the time they actually get it, they will be so far behind it won't matter. Hopefully we get full access to every show ever made for streaming one day.
Second thought. Here are a couple networks that stream live sports to perfection; World Surf League and MotoGP. You could throw in NBA if you have an international account. Networks are officially in the way of streaming great content. Look at the opening ceremonies from the Olympics! They ruined it with commercials and eager announcers.
+Scott Yoast We need a CSPAN of Sports. (Or, rather, people who enjoy watching sports needs it.) Unfortunately, since sports is actually a money-making media venture, so of course the networks are going to grab it.