Netflix Tells Writers to Have Characters “Announce What They’re Doing" Just in Case Viewer is Busy Doing Something Else

Netflix execs have been telling their screenwriters to have characters “announce what they’re doing” so that viewers who have a program on in the background can follow along without having to miss plot strands. There’s barely been any pushback, until now.

Several screenwriters, who’ve worked for the streamer, are telling the outlet that a common note from company executives is to have characters purposely lay out exposition to the wandering viewer. After all, focusing your time on a 90-minute movie is certainly not an option for the token Netflix viewer.

“We spent a day together,” Lohan tells her lover, James, in “Irish Wish.” “I admit it was a beautiful day filled with dramatic vistas and romantic rain, but that doesn’t give you the right to question my life choices. Tomorrow I’m marrying Paul Kennedy.” “Fine,” he responds. “That will be the last you see of me because after this job is over I’m off to Bolivia to photograph an endangered tree lizard.”

Netflix apparently also has thousands of micro-genres they adhere by in greenlighting projects, including “casual viewing” which is used for movies/TV that go down best when you’re not paying attention.

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