Watch the Infidelity, Says Netflix

-- 60% admit to Television Tryst behind partner's back

LONDON, May 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Netflix the worlds' leading Internet television Network today reveals research showing that the new found freedom to watch what we want, when we want can be a romantic minefield.

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Six in ten of us in the UK admitted to 'cheating' on partners by watching extra episodes of series without their significant other.  Another one fifth have actually fallen out with a partner over their "Netflix infidelity." With shows like Arrested Development Season 4, (from May 26th) and UK exclusives like Breaking Bad and the recent first season of House of Cards, Netflix members will be facing increased temptation to play away.

"We give our members the power to watch what they want, when they want. But as Spiderman says – 'with great power comes great responsibility,'" said Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer at Netflix. "Netflix can't be held responsible for any trust issues, lovers' spats, housemate quarrels or marital troubles that arise from watching ahead. We also will not cover any therapy sessions. As always, we advise to Watch Responsibly."

With the rise of OTT (over the top) viewing and of streaming services like Netflix there has been a move away from "appointment viewing" and scheduled TV. A quarter of couples now admit to being seduced into secretly watching a film or TV episode alone, only to watch it again with a partner without breathing a word.

Other Survey Findings Include:

• More than half of couples arrange to watch episodes of a show together. Those that break their agreement and go behind their partner's back to watch alone, contribute to on average, two arguments a week
• Even if arguments don't erupt, a third of respondents admitted to getting annoyed if their partner stays up to watch new episodes of a TV show instead of coming to bed.
• It also seems that fearing the wrath of their partners, 20% of us secretly watch a whole series without telling our significant others.
• 24% polled said that they would re-watch a show or film after having secretly watched it already
• 60% of females polled said that they would wait for their partners to not be in to watch a show they like
• Nearly 10% of males said they would 'stream cheat' in the loo compared to ~6% of females
• 61% of women polled said that they would watch without their partners while 51% of men admitted the same

Netflix has rolled out new creative highlighting the idea of 'stream cheating.'  You can check out the new advertisement for yourself on YouTube.  

ABOUT NETFLIX

Netflix is the world's leading Internet television network with more than 36 million members in 40 countries enjoying more than one billion hours of TV shows and movies per month, including Netflix original series. For one low monthly price, Netflix members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on nearly any Internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments. Learn more about how Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX) is pioneering Internet television at www.netflix.com or follow Netflix on Facebook and Twitter.

Methodology:

This survey was conducted between April 24th and April 25th, 2013 amongst 2000 UK adults in a co-habiting relationship.

SOURCE Netflix