Television Spoilers Recast as Narrative Teasers

Abstract

This article analyzes online qualitative survey responses from 43 television time shifters who knew narrative content (spoilers) about a particular show before they decided to watch. Twenty of the study participants cited narrative content and/or their spoiler sources as the reason they chose to watch. We ultimately argue that television spoilers can function as teasers, leading would-be viewers to enjoyable shows. In doing so, we expand the definition of spoiler, offering insight into how spoilers can create rather than ruin opportunities for narrative pleasure.

Keywords:

• Culture
• Internet
• Media

Notes

^[1] It is likely that more symmetrical pairs existed, but the online survey format did not enable us to ask follow-up questions for clarification. Only pairs that had a direct connection were included. For example, Barbara (White woman, 24) was not included in this analysis. She heard Breaking Bad spoilers through a “Today Show story” and said she tuned in because “people recommended it.” Because she did not specify if Today Show hosts were those people who recommended the show, we did not infer that connection.

^[2] All participants have been assigned pseudonyms.