Choice (on the box)
At the beginning of October Netflix announced that it would shortly be launching programs which would allow audiences to choose their own adventures or endings to shows. Early chatter suggests that the next season of Black Mirror, arguably Netflix’s biggest show, is going to receive this kind of treatment. And if audiences love it, no doubt, other content makers will follow.
But I have to ask; choice! What is it good for? I like bingeing on my favourite series as much as the next person. But what is the point if the ending is up to me?
Does it take the fun out of being taken on a ride or being shocked, thrilled or disappointed? And what about dissecting each episode over the watercooler the next day?
And if I get to choose the ending I prefer, will I bother watching it? Does being able to choose make for a more satisfying viewing experience?
I suppose it is not much different from gaming. That also involves making a series of choices within a framework in order to achieve an outcome, presumably, winning. In that respect, maybe this is a natural evolution in our experience of entertainment. But should your favourite series be winnable?
Perhaps this is not that big a leap. Audiences can already influence the outcomes of shows like the X Factor and Strictly Come Dancing. And with the advent of the internet, fans can engage with the makers of their favourite shows directly, praising and critiquing in a way that I am sure makes show runners listen. And then of course there is the ultimate way in which we respond to entertainment; by continuing to watch or simply switching over. There is no easier way for audiences to express how they feel about a show. That relationship has hinged on audiences largely responding to content and not as much controlling it. But that’s clearly changing.
Maybe audience engagement on this level has the capacity to create positive movement like increasing the presence of underrepresented groups on our screens.
But we have so much choice in our everyday lives and sometimes it’s overwhelming. And I am a lazy motherfucker! Can I be bothered with this?
Do we need more choices?
What do you reckon?
