Have you ever found yourself grimly powering through a television series you actively dislike, driven by a strange compulsion to simply reach the end? You are far from alone. This modern viewing phenomenon, where the satisfaction of completion trumps the enjoyment of the content itself, is being analysed by psychologists and media experts.
The 'Completist' Compulsion in the Streaming Age
The behaviour described by writer Imogen West-Knights – who documented her journey through 177 episodes of a show she did not enjoy – is more common than many realise. According to Professor Craig Jackson of Birmingham City University, the architecture of modern streaming platforms actively encourages this. These services meticulously log our progress, turning media consumption into a gamified experience where ticking off episodes provides a tangible, and sometimes addictive, sense of achievement.
This environment fosters what experts term "hyperconsumption". The endless scroll of content and the seamless autoplay function remove traditional barriers to viewing, making it easier than ever to commit to a series for the long haul, regardless of its quality.
Completion vs. Enjoyment: A Psychological Trade-Off
Professor Jackson suggests that for many viewers, this behaviour may stem more from a compulsion than a classic addiction. The driving force is the powerful psychological reward of finishing a task. "Even when the viewing experience feels like a miss, the satisfaction of completing a series can outweigh the lack of enjoyment," he explains.
This dynamic is amplified in an era of unpredictable quality on streaming services. The 'hit or miss' nature of choosing a new show can make the reliable, if unenjoyable, path of a known entity strangely appealing. Finishing it provides closure and a clear achievement in a way that abandoning a mediocre show does not.
The Wider Impact on Viewing Habits
The rise of the 'completist' mentality has significant implications for how we engage with culture. It shifts the value from the experience of watching to the metric of completion. This can lead to:
- Reduced exploration: Viewers may stick with a poor series instead of seeking out new, potentially better content.
- Gamified consumption: Watching TV becomes more about progress bars and less about narrative or artistic appreciation.
- Time investment: Significant hours are dedicated to content that provides little genuine pleasure, purely for the sake of finishing.
As streaming platforms continue to refine their algorithms and interfaces to maximise engagement, understanding this psychological pull is crucial for viewers who want to reclaim their time and ensure their viewing habits are driven by choice, not compulsion.
