The release of the enormous amount of series has led to conversations about how people consume media on the go. Many viewers reported watching the series in snippets on their commutes or during short breaks throughout their day. This habit of consuming content in short, fragmented sessions is often referred to as "in-between" binge-watching.

This behavior is driven by the immediate access to content offered by streaming platforms on mobile devices. Individuals can start and stop an episode whenever a few spare minutes become available, fitting entertainment into the gaps of a busy schedule. This practice contrasts with traditional, longer viewing sessions.

The Psychology of Fragmented Viewing

The ability to watch content in small increments can reduce the perceived time commitment, making it easier to start a new series. For many, this makes a full season of a series more approachable.

Data from a 2017 study by Deloitte showed that 60% of consumers preferred to watch movies and TV shows on their mobile phones. This trend indicates a shift away from the living room and toward personal, portable screens. And this is data from 2017...

From Living Room to Lunch Break

The rise of mobile binge-watching has changed the viewing experience from a communal activity to a personal one. Content becomes a tool for filling otherwise idle time, whether it is waiting for an appointment or during a lunch break.

According to a survey by The Harris Poll, also 2017, "47% of Americans say they sometimes watch video content on their phones when they are with other people." This data highlights a change in social behavior, where personal entertainment can take precedence over shared moments.

Technology's Role in a Changing Habit

Technology has adapted to support this habit. Streaming applications now feature offline download options, allowing viewers to continue watching without an internet connection. This feature is important for people who watch during commutes or in areas with limited connectivity.

This trend toward fragmented consumption is supported by the design of mobile devices and streaming platforms. Mobile interfaces are designed for quick navigation and provide a steady stream of recommendations to keep viewers engaged. The platforms' algorithms are designed to track and respond to these viewing behaviors.

"In-between" Binge-watcher?

So, are you a "In-between" binge-watcher, and for example, did you watched the end of House of the Dragon season 2 on your phone? It's not just you! Maybe you can join your colleagues next time, and "in-between binge-watch" the latest shows together.



Sources used:
- 2017 Deloitte Media Consumer Survey - Deloitte (November 2017)
- The Harris Poll - The Harris Poll (2017)

Matthew McConaughey has delivered some gems. Think about Interstellar and Dallas Buyers Club. Yet, one of his best-received films has not even been shown in theaters, but perhaps we will finally get the chance to see it.

It concerns the well-received crime drama and thriller The Rivals of Amziah King. Earlier this year, it premiered at the South by Southwest Film Festival, where it received acclaim.

Notable

Still, the film did not find a distributor at that time. Now, that seems to be changing: according to reports, studio Black Bear is negotiating to showcase the film in U.S. theaters.

This is not very surprising. The Rivals of Amziah King boasts an impressive 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Film critics also consider it one of McConaughey's greatest roles, although it sounds like a unique project.

Unusual Mix

The project originally began as a miniseries but was adapted into a feature film described as half-musical and half-western. McConaughey plays a beekeeper and blues musician in Oklahoma, whose quiet life is disrupted when his estranged adoptive daughter returns.



When his beehives are stolen, a local businessman (played by Kurt Russell) seems to be the culprit, though there may be more to the story. The Rivals of Amziah King is the second film from Andrew Patterson, whose debut, The Vast of Night, was also met with enthusiasm.

Michael Bay is the director of five films in the Transformers series, the first two Bad Boys films, The Rock, and much more. His signature eye for action makes him a unique voice in Hollywood, but in recent years we haven't heard much from him.

Ambulance, his latest film, is undoubtedly one of the best films Bay has ever made. Yet, the film flopped, and few people talk about it today.

Story

Decorated veteran Will Sharp (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) is desperately seeking a job to pay his wife's medical bills. He asks his adoptive brother Danny (Jake Gyllenhaal), a charismatic professional criminal, for help to quickly make money. Instead, Danny offers him a reward: the biggest bank heist in Los Angeles history: $32 million.

When the heist goes awry, the brothers hijack an ambulance and take a paramedic (Eiza González) and an injured police officer (Jackson White) hostage.

Best Of Bay's Career

Ambulance holds a Rotten Tomatoes score of 68%, making it Bay's highest-rated film ever. The consensus states: "With blaring sirens and at top speed, Ambulance comes to the rescue as the audience suffers from an acute shortage of Michael Bay action films."



Despite the strong reception, Ambulance is the biggest flop of Bay's career. The film had a modest production budget of $40 million but only grossed $52 million at the global box office.

Return To Transformers

Bay has not directed any films since Ambulance, but that is about to change. We recently learned that Bay walked away from the Netflix action-comedy Fast and Loose after a disagreement with star Will Smith.



Instead, the director is returning to his most successful film series: Transformers. Paramount's recent Transformers films Rise of the Beasts and Transformers One received positive reviews from critics, but that wasn't reflected in the box office earnings. Therefore, it makes sense that they want Bay back in the director's chair.

Alicia Vikander has established a number of strong roles. Consider A Royal Affair and Ex Machina, to name just a few. Although The Danish Girl is often seen as her finest work, she feels regret about her participation.

In 2016, the beloved Swedish actress even won an Oscar for her role as Gerda Wegener, the wife of Lili Elbe, one of the first trans women to undergo a gender-affirming operation. While the film received much praise at the time, it has been subject to increasing criticism in recent years.

Understanding

The reason for this? Many people believe it’s unacceptable that real trans actors are absent from the cast. Vikander herself agrees and comments: "I’m the first to admit that it already feels extremely outdated, and I think that’s a good thing".

"I do think that 'The Danish Girl' served an important purpose in 2015. At that time, it was a turning point because the subject of trans lives was at least discussed. I hope the film opened the door for art to tackle such themes".

Change

Despite the controversy, the role marked a significant breakthrough for Vikander in Hollywood. She took home the coveted golden statue, the only award the film won out of four nominations.



Vikander mentioned that the sudden success came with a downside. "It happened so quickly that I had no time to reflect. It took years before I could understand that moment, especially how a public image of me was created, which I also looked at and thought: 'Who is that?' I had to find a way to come to terms with all that..."

The tension in Kingstown is once again reaching a boiling point. The successful crime series from Taylor Sheridan and Hugh Dillon is returning shortly with new episodes, and the first images set the tone for a season where nothing and no one seems safe.

Paramount+ has released the trailer for the fourth season of Mayor of Kingstown, featuring Jeremy Renner back in action as Mike McLusky, the man trying to restore order in a city torn apart by power and violence.

Familiar Face

In the new episodes, Mike faces a fierce gang war. With the Russian power structure gone, various factions attempt to fill the vacuum. As Kingstown spirals further into chaos, Mike’s own family increasingly finds themselves in the line of fire.

A new face causing a stir is Edie Falco (The Sopranos), who makes her debut in season four as Nina Hobbs, the new warden of Anchor Bay. Her conflict with Mike promises to become one of the central story arcs of the season, bringing old sins and personal demons to the forefront once again.

Fans Can't Get Enough Of Sheridan

Alongside Renner and Falco, the cast includes Lennie James, Laura Benanti, Hugh Dillon, Taylor Handley, and Tobi Bamtefa. The creative team is led by Sheridan and Dillon, with David Erickson as showrunner. Big names like Antoine Fuqua and Renner himself are on board as producers.



Mayor of Kingstown is part of Sheridan's ever-expanding television universe. He previously delivered titles such as Yellowstone, 1883, 1923, Lioness, Tulsa King, and Lawmen: Bass Reeves. With season four, the hit series aims once again for a blend of explosive action, intrigue, and compelling character dramas.

Netflix has announced that the third season of the political drama series The Diplomat will be available on the streaming service starting October 16. Along with the announcement, a new teaser was released that focuses on the rise of character Grace Penn, played by Allison Janney, towards the vice presidency.

The teaser hints at the return of Bradley Whitford as Todd Penn, Grace's husband, who seems to play a prominent role in the new series of episodes of The Diplomat.

Cliffhanger

The second season ended with a cliffhanger that stirred much excitement among fans. In the third season, we will see how Kate (Keri Russell) relates to Grace, Todd, and her own husband Hal (Rufus Sewell), while political tensions continue to rise.

Kate faces new responsibilities she never desired. Her relationship with British Foreign Secretary Austin Dennison becomes more complicated, while the dynamics with Todd Penn further complicate her position.

Fourth Season On The Way

The first two seasons aired in 2023 and 2024 and were hits for Netflix, both in viewership and critical reception. The first season holds a solid 84 percent on the Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer, and season 2 even scores 96 percent. On IMDb, The Diplomat has a respectable 8.0/10 based on 83 thousand votes.



In the third season, returning roles include David Gyasi as Austin Dennison, Ali Ahn as CIA chief Eidra Park, Ato Essandoh as Stuart Hayford, and Rory Kinnear as Prime Minister Nicol Trowbridge. The series was created by Debora Cahn, who also serves as showrunner and executive producer. A fourth season has already been ordered and will go into production later this year.

The fourth season of Only Murders in the Building concluded with another deadly surprise. Soon after, Hulu announced that a fifth season is coming, which you can watch internationally on Disney+. This continues the popular crime comedy, where amateur sleuthing and New York intrigue go hand in hand. The release date is set for September 9, when the first three episodes will be available simultaneously. A new episode will follow weekly thereafter.

The new season revolves around the murder of doorman Lester, played by Teddy Coluca. His death in the fountain at the Arconia is central to the investigation. Lester had been a recurring character since the series began, making his death not only a personal blow for the residents but also a key starting point for new secrets.

Returning Faces And New Intrigues

The beloved trio, Charles-Haden Savage (Steve Martin), Oliver Putnam (Martin Short), and Mabel Mora (Selena Gomez), are back once again. Familiar characters like Howard, Uma, and Detective Donna Williams also return. Additionally, Sofia, portrayed by T3a Leoni, will play a larger role. Her brief appearance in the season finale hinted at a possible storyline involving her missing husband, Nicky “The Neck” Caccimelio, who has ties to the Caputo family.

According to co-creator John Hoffman, Sofia highlights a new aspect of New York: the world behind her husband's business, which earned him the title “Dry Cleaning King of Brooklyn.” This opens the door to a network of family ties and power structures that have remained off-screen until now.

Trailer

The trailer for the fifth season has been extremely successful, garnering over 16 million views so far!