The Streaming Era’s Bloat Problem: What ‘Stranger Things’ Tells Us About the Future of Narrative
Nearly 40% of screen time in the latest season of Stranger Things is dedicated to exposition – reminding viewers of a plot that has become, frankly, unwieldy. This isn’t a critique of the show’s quality, which remains high on a scene-by-scene basis. It’s a symptom of a larger trend: the streaming era’s tendency towards narrative bloat. As audiences become accustomed to binge-watching, series are expanding, not streamlining, and the consequences for storytelling are becoming increasingly clear.
The Binge-Watch Paradox: More Content, Less Impact
The initial success of streaming services like Netflix hinged on the binge-watching model. Giving viewers entire seasons at once fostered a sense of immersion and drove subscriber growth. But this model inadvertently incentivized quantity over quality. Where network television demanded concise, self-contained episodes, streaming allows – and often encourages – sprawling narratives that prioritize long-term engagement over immediate impact. The result? Shows like Stranger Things, burdened by their own success, are forced to constantly expand their lore to justify continued existence, even when the core story feels stretched thin.
From Focused Narratives to Expanding Universes
This phenomenon isn’t limited to Stranger Things. Look at the Marvel Cinematic Universe, initially praised for its interconnected storytelling, now facing criticism for its increasingly complex and convoluted plots. Or consider the extended seasons of The Witcher, which have struggled to maintain narrative coherence amidst production changes and expanded storylines. The pressure to build expansive universes, filled with characters and subplots, often comes at the expense of focused, compelling narratives. The goal isn’t simply to tell a good story; it’s to create a franchise.
The Influence of Fan Investment and “Service” to the Audience
Part of this trend is driven by a desire to “service” the fanbase. Showrunners, acutely aware of online discourse and fan theories, feel compelled to address every question and incorporate every suggestion, even if it detracts from the central narrative. This creates a feedback loop where the story becomes increasingly beholden to fan expectations, rather than driven by artistic vision. The original, lean concept of Stranger Things – a single, self-contained story – was sacrificed at the altar of fan engagement.
The Contrast: Streamlining in Prestige Television’s Past
The current approach stands in stark contrast to the finales of landmark prestige television dramas. Breaking Bad ruthlessly eliminated extraneous characters and plotlines in its final season, focusing solely on Walter White’s descent. The Sopranos similarly streamlined its narrative, culminating in its famously ambiguous ending. Even Mad Men, known for its sprawling ensemble cast, narrowed its focus to Don Draper’s personal journey. These shows understood that a powerful finale requires clarity and concision, not endless expansion. A study by IndieWire highlighted this trend, noting how successful finales often prioritize emotional resonance over plot complexity.
The Future of Streaming: A Return to Narrative Discipline?
The current model isn’t sustainable. As audiences become overwhelmed by choice and increasingly discerning, the value of bloated, convoluted narratives will diminish. We’re already seeing a shift towards shorter seasons and more focused storytelling in some corners of the streaming world. The success of limited series, like Chernobyl and Mare of Easttown, demonstrates that audiences are willing to invest in compelling, self-contained stories. The key for streaming services will be to prioritize quality over quantity, and to resist the temptation to endlessly expand their universes at the expense of narrative coherence. The future of streaming may well depend on a return to narrative discipline – learning from the mistakes of shows like Stranger Things and embracing the power of a well-told, concise story.
What strategies do you think streaming services should adopt to combat narrative bloat? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
