Television Archives - Roger Hyttinen Author

No TV, No Problem

By Roger Hyttinen / September 21, 2025

People sometimes look at me like I’ve just confessed to eating soup with a fork when I tell them: I don’t really watch TV. Not in a snobby, “I don’t even own a television” way (I do own one, thank you very much—it sits there like a patient dog waiting for me to throw it a bone). It’s just that, well… I never seem to get around to actually watching it.

I mean to. I have the best of intentions. My Netflix queue is like one of those bottomless pit myths, the kind where every time you toss something in, it echoes endlessly into the void. I’ve got shows saved from, like, three years ago, all bright-eyed and eager for me to hit play. And yet, somehow, I blink and a month has passed. I swear my evenings get eaten by a time gremlin.

The Question Everyone Asks

Whenever I casually drop that I don’t watch much TV, people always give me that look—you know the one—like I just admitted to never having tried pizza. Then comes the inevitable:

“But what do you do all night if you’re not watching TV?”

Cue my awkward shrug. Because apparently, for a lot of folks, TV is the default mode once dinner is over. For me, though, evenings are my playground. I read. I write. I poke around with story ideas, get lost in research tangents (the number of rabbit holes I’ve gone down about 1930s slang would shock no one who knows me). That’s where my hours vanish.

And honestly? I kind of love that. When I was still working full time, people used to ask me all the time how I managed to find hours in the day to write novels. The answer has always been the same: no TV. That little trade-off is my secret sauce.

Not Anti-TV (Promise)

Here’s the thing: I’m not anti-television. I’m not out here waving a banner that says “Down With Streaming.” I actually like TV. I’ll fall down the rabbit hole of a good series just like anyone else. I mean, when I finally sat down and binged Stranger Things, I resurfaced days later looking like I’d been living in the Upside Down myself.

The problem is, for me, TV is too easy to push aside. Reading a book feels urgent because the stack by my bed is taller than me at this point. Writing feels urgent because, well, my characters won’t shut up until I get their stories down. But TV? I tell myself, “I’ll get to it later.” And then later turns into never.

My “Someday Queue”

Here’s the embarrassing confession: my Netflix queue has become more like a graveyard. Shows I swore I’d watch “soon” are now on season six, and I’m still parked at episode one. The longer I wait, the more intimidating it gets. Like, can I really commit to six seasons of something when I can barely manage my laundry?

Still, there are a couple series I’m determined to tackle. At this point, I might need to go full Type-A and actually pencil “watch two episodes” into my planner, right between “buy groceries” and “revise chapter ten.” Imagine scheduling TV like it’s a dentist appointment. But hey, maybe that’s the only way I’ll ever get around to it.

Why I Don’t Feel Guilty

Some people get defensive when I say I don’t watch TV, like I’m silently judging them for enjoying it. I’m not. Honestly, if TV is your thing—amazing. We all need a way to unwind. My way just happens to look like flipping pages or pounding away at a keyboard until my wrists complain.

For me, there’s something ridiculously satisfying about closing my laptop after an evening of writing and knowing I’ve got a chapter more than I had yesterday. Or finishing a book and adding it to my “read” shelf (which, let’s be real, is the only competition I’ll ever win: me vs. my own never-ending TBR). That kind of payoff just feels better to me than catching up on the latest season of whatever’s trending.

That said, I’m not giving up on TV altogether. Maybe one night I’ll actually sit down, remote in hand, and finally watch one of those shows collecting dust in my queue. But until then, I’ll keep doing what I do—filling my evenings with words instead of episodes. And if people still think that’s weird… well, they’re probably not wrong.

—

My Ghost Oracle Box Set (Nick Michelson) is now available from your favorite online retailer in ebook format.

Books 1-3: https://books2read.com/u/mBKOAv

Boox 4-6 https://books2read.com/u/mVxr2l

No TV, No Problem Read Post »

“So Many Shows, So Little…Interest?”

By Roger Hyttinen / August 7, 2025

So here’s a weird little confession: I love TV. Like, love it. But not in the way you’re probably thinking. I love the _idea_of TV. The potential. The promise. The sweet, tantalizing list of series lined up in my queue like a buffet I will definitely never eat. I’m subscribed to so many streaming services I’ve honestly lost count. Hulu, Netflix, Max (is it still just “Max”? It sounds like an off-brand multivitamin), Apple TV, Prime, Disney+—I basically fund half of Hollywood and watch maybe… 2 episodes a month? On a good week?

And yet—yet—I keep adding shows to my list like I’m collecting rare stamps. Shows people rave about. Shows that win awards. Shows I’ve watched trailers for and thought, Yes. This. This will be my next personality for the next 10 hours. But by the time I finish writing for the day, squeeze in an editing session, feed myself something vaguely resembling dinner, and stare at my open notebook like it personally betrayed me…I’m done. Spent. Wiped. All I want is to read a book, which, let’s be real, is still a type of escapism—I just happen to prefer mine with paper cuts and zero autoplay countdowns.

Seriously, my “Continue Watching” list is pure shame. There’s a show I started in 2019 still sitting there with one episode watched. One. Episode. I apparently didn’t even have the stamina for the full pilot. And don’t get me started on documentaries. I’ll be like, Ooooh, a four-part series on cursed towns and haunted sewers! and then I never hit play because it’s 9:15 p.m. and that’s practically midnight in writer time.

And yes, I hear you: “But you’ll miss so many good shows!” I know. Trust me, I know. I’ve read think pieces, seen the memes, nodded along in group chats pretending I’ve seen The Bear (I haven’t), Yellowjackets (nope), The Last of Us(only clips). I could practically write essays on shows I’ve never watched. Maybe I should start doing that. Meta-reviews. Ghost-viewing, if you will.

At this point, I think it’s time to admit that my streaming subscriptions are more of a security blanket than an entertainment source. I keep them around “just in case.” Like how I keep five jars of peanut butter even though I don’t really eat peanut butter. It’s the idea of possibility. Possibility is seductive.

But maybe it’s time to Marie Kondo this mess. If I haven’t watched anything on Starz in a year…do I really need it? Is it sparking joy or just sparking $8.99 monthly charges?

So yeah. I like the idea of TV. I like imagining that I’ll someday sit down and watch Stranger Things season 4, or Succession, or whatever new buzzy show everyone’s yelling about. But I probably won’t. Not because I don’t care. But because my to-be-read pile is flirting with structural collapse, and I’ve got a fictional detective to wrangle into a plot twist before midnight.

Alright, I’m off to cancel a streaming service. Or at least think really hard about doing it.

P.S. If you’ve figured out how to balance TV, books, and writing without losing your mind, please share. I’ll probably read your message…while not watching TV.

“So Many Shows, So Little…Interest?” Read Post »

Witches, Wolves, and Wasted Potential: Urban Fantasy on Screen

By Roger Hyttinen / July 25, 2025

Okay, fellow weirdos—can we talk about urban fantasy on screen? You know, all the witches, vampires, secret magical societies, demons with great cheekbones, and morally ambiguous love interests that somehow always have tragic backstories and a tendency to lurk in alleyways? Yeah, that genre. The one that raised us, disappointed us, and sometimes left us wondering if we could get a refund on our emotional investment.

Some shows blew my mind in the best way possible. Others… well, they felt like dollar-store spellbooks with missing pages. So here we go—my personal, deeply biased, occasionally snack-fueled list of urban fantasy hits, misses, and the shows that left me somewhere in between, wondering what might’ve been.

🔥 The Hits (aka the ones I’d let bite me)

1. Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Let’s start with the queen, shall we? Buffy defined urban fantasy TV for a whole generation. We had sass, we had stakes (literally), and we had monsters as metaphors for every adolescent nightmare. It juggled horror and humor with actual character arcs. And now… a Buffy reboot is allegedly coming to Netflix soon. I’m cautiously optimistic, but seriously—can it hold a candle to the original? Or will it just feel like a high-budget fanfic in a world already saturated with reboots that forgot what made the original special?

2. Shadowhunters
Look, I know this one gets side-eye from certain corners of the internet, but I loved it. Yes, it was occasionally (okay, frequently) chaotic. And yes, sometimes the dialogue made me want to throw my remote. But it had heart, magic tattoos, cool-looking weapons, and Malec. Like, that pairing alone kept me emotionally invested far longer than was reasonable. Do I wish it had a bigger budget and stronger scripts? Sure. But do I regret binge-watching every episode and sighing dramatically through the finale? Not even a little.

3. Supernatural
I watched every episode. All 327 of them. And yeah, it probably should’ve ended around Season 5 (okay, maybe Season 11 at the latest), but Sam and Dean? Forever icons. That car, that classic rock, that weird mix of horror and dad jokes? Gold. I still get misty-eyed thinking about some of those emotional arcs. And honestly, what’s not to love about two brothers fighting monsters while slowly becoming them?

4. Teen Wolf
Yes, I’m putting Teen Wolf in the hits. Come at me. That show had absolutely no business being as good as it sometimes was. The vibes? Immaculate. The chemistry? Off the charts. Stiles Stilinski? A whole icon. Season 3A in particular was next-level, with its oni demons, sacrificial darkness, and psychological horror. Did it occasionally veer into the land of Beautiful People Running Through Fog With No Plot? Sure. But when it hit, it hit. And let’s be honest—we all wanted to be in that high school, even if the mortality rate was higher than average.

5. The Magicians
This show is what happens when Harry Potter grows up, joins a therapy group, and starts snorting pixie dust. It’s raw, hilarious, tragic, and just straight-up weird. Magic comes with a price, characters die, trauma is real, and Margo is a goddess. Literally. I still think about some of those musical episodes like they’re burned into my brain.

6. Being Human (UK)
If you missed this one, do yourself a favor and dig it up. It’s a vampire, a ghost, and a werewolf trying to live normal lives while being complete emotional disasters. It’s grimy, heartfelt, and somehow more grounded than most urban fantasy out there. Also, it made me cry over a ghost’s unfinished business, which is not something I expected to type, but here we are.

7. Penny Dreadful
Moody, gothic, and gloriously over-the-top. It felt like someone threw every Victorian monster into a blender and hit shakespearean angst. Eva Green should’ve been knighted for her performance. It’s not urban fantasy in the modern sense, but the spirit is there: monsters hiding behind society’s masks.

🚫 The Misses (aka shows I watched while muttering “You had one job”)

1. The Order
Magic college. Secret societies. Werewolves. Should’ve been awesome. Instead, it was like watching a CW pilot that never fully made it out of beta testing. The concept had so much potential, but the execution felt like someone fell asleep on the plot outline.

2. Charmed (2018 reboot)
Listen. I wanted to like it. I really did. The original Charmed had its own cheese factor, sure, but it worked. This reboot felt like it was trying to be woke and edgy at the same time, but forgot to be fun. Also, did the Book of Shadows get a software update? Because it felt… sterile.

3. Witches of East End
Great cast. Gorgeous visuals. Total snoozefest. It was like someone read the description of urban fantasy out loud but forgot to include the actual magic.

4. Bitten
Werewolves! Canada! A female lead with rage issues! I wanted to love it, but it just didn’t land for me. It lacked bite (pun very much intended). Also, the pacing felt like molasses on a winter morning.

😐 The Middle Zone (aka “almost…but not quite”)

There are shows that hit the vibe but fumble the follow-through. Stuff like Grimm (great concept, kinda boring execution), Lost Girl (sassy and sexy, but plotlines were a hot mess), or The Secret Circle (remember that one? It came and went like a shadow demon with stage fright). These shows lived in the awkward limbo between brilliance and bafflement.

Urban fantasy can be so good when it leans into the messiness of life and magic colliding. I want broken heroes, morally gray choices, and stories that aren’t afraid to get weird. But I also want competent world-building, solid scripts, and characters that feel like people—not exposition delivery devices in tight pants.

Anyway, now that I’ve thoroughly dragged and praised half the paranormal TV landscape, I wanna know: what are your urban fantasy faves? Drop them in the comments, yell at me about Shadowhunters, or whisper them to a stray cat under a full moon. I’ll probably hear you.

Have you read my latest book, “The Golem’s Guardian” yet? If not, you can snag a copy HERE.

Witches, Wolves, and Wasted Potential: Urban Fantasy on Screen Read Post »

Why I’m Obsessed with Benito Skinner’s “Overcompensating”

By Roger Hyttinen / July 10, 2025

Okay, I need to talk to you about this show that completely blindsided me. Like, I went into it expecting maybe some light entertainment and ended up watching all eight episodes in one sitting while ugly-crying into my leftover pizza. We’re talking about “Overcompensating,” the new Amazon Prime series from Benito Skinner (aka our beloved BennyDrama), and honestly? I think I might be having feelings about it.

You know how sometimes you watch something and it hits you right in that weird spot between nostalgia and current anxiety? That’s exactly what happened here. Benito plays Benny (creative, I know), this former high school football star who arrives at college carrying more emotional baggage than a Kardashian on vacation. The guy’s so deep in the closet he’s practically in Narnia, trying to convince everyone—including himself—that he’s straight by doing the most ridiculous performative masculinity dance I’ve ever seen.

The whole thing starts when Benny meets Carmen (played by the absolutely brilliant Wally Baram), this New Jersey girl who’s dealing with her own pile of trauma. Their friendship becomes the heart of the show, and I swear, watching them navigate freshman year together made me feel every single emotion I thought I’d successfully buried from my own college experience.

What gets me is how real it all feels. Benny’s not just “struggling with his sexuality”—he’s actively self-sabotaging in ways that made me want to reach through the screen and shake him. The scene where he tries to hook up with Carmen while clearly being more interested in her male friends? My secondhand embarrassment was OFF THE CHARTS. But that’s the thing about this show—it doesn’t shy away from making you cringe. It forces you to sit with all that uncomfortable, messy stuff that comes with figuring out who you are.

What really surprised me was how the show handles the supporting characters. Benny’s sister Grace (Mary Beth Barone, who’s actually Benito’s real-life podcasting partner) is dating this finance bro nightmare named Peter, and watching her slowly realize she’s been morphing herself to fit his expectations? Chef’s—wait, no, I’m not allowed to say that phrase. It was really well done. The way the show explores how we all perform different versions of ourselves, not just Benny, feels painfully accurate.

I have to be honest though—there are moments where Benito playing a college freshman feels a bit… ambitious. The man is clearly 31, and sometimes it shows. But honestly? It almost works better that way. There’s something about the slight disconnect that makes the whole thing feel more like a fever dream memory than a realistic portrayal, which somehow makes it more emotionally honest.

The show doesn’t reinvent television or anything. It’s definitely walking in the footsteps of shows like “The Sex Lives of College Girls” (RIP, we hardly knew ye), but it carves out its own space by being unafraid to make everyone kind of terrible. These aren’t your typical loveable college kids—they’re selfish and messy and make decisions that will have you yelling at your TV. But that’s what makes it feel so authentic.

One thing that really struck me is how the show handles coming out. It’s not trying to be groundbreaking or make grand statements about LGBTQ+ representation. Instead, it just shows one person’s very specific, very messy journey toward accepting himself. There’s this scene where Benny finally starts opening up to Miles (Rish Shah), and you can see these little moments where the real Benny—the one we glimpse in Benito’s TikToks—starts peeking through all that performative straightness.

The supporting cast is absolutely stacked too. Kyle MacLachlan shows up as Benny’s dad, and even though he’s only in a few scenes, he brings this whole complex dynamic about family expectations and small-town Idaho masculinity. Plus there are random cameos from people like Lukas Gage that make the whole thing feel like this weird, wonderful fever dream.

What I love most about “Overcompensating” is that it doesn’t try to wrap everything up in a neat little bow. By the end of the season, Benny’s still figuring things out, Carmen’s still carrying her secrets, and Grace is still untangling her relationship mess. It feels like real life—messy and ongoing and complicated.

The show got some mixed reviews, with critics saying it’s “too gay for straight audiences and too straight for gay audiences,” but honestly? That feels exactly right for a story about someone caught between worlds. Sometimes the most authentic stories are the ones that don’t fit neatly into categories.

If you’re looking for something light and easy, this might not be your vibe. But if you want something that will make you think about your own college experiences—the good, the bad, and the deeply cringe—then definitely give it a watch. Just maybe have some tissues handy, because apparently I’m the type of person who cries over college comedies now.

I’m really, really, really hoping Amazon gives us a second season, because I need to know what happens when these messy kids figure their lives out. Or continue to spectacularly fail at figuring their lives out. Either way, I’ll be here for it.

P.S. – The gratuitous male nudity doesn’t hurt either. Just saying.

When Brooklyn librarian David Rosen accidentally brings a clay figure to life, he discovers an ancient family gift: the power to create golems. As he falls for charismatic social worker Jacob, a dark sorcerer threatens the city. With a rare celestial alignment approaching, David must master his abilities before the Shadow’s ritual unleashes chaos—even if using his power might kill him. The Golem’s Guardian – out now!

Why I’m Obsessed with Benito Skinner’s “Overcompensating” Read Post »

Queer Magic & Monster Madness: My Favorite LGBTQ+ Paranormal Shows & Movies

By Roger Hyttinen / March 18, 2025

Okay, so, like, you know how much I’m obsessed with all things spooky and queer, right? It’s like peanut butter and jelly, or maybe more like, um, vampires and werewolves? Anyway, I’ve been binge-watching a ton of LGBTQ+ paranormal shows and movies lately, and I just had to share my absolute faves with you guys. These are the ones that keep me up binge-watching at 3 a.m. when I’m whispering, “Just one more episode” (and probably making questionable life choices). Don’t judge—you’ve been there! There’s something extra satisfying about watching queer characters battle demons, bend magic, or straight-up punch a vampire in the face. Here are my top magical and spooky picks that feature LGBTQ+ characters. You can watch these while ignoring your texts like a true fan.

Let’s kick this off with The Magicians. If you haven’t seen this show yet… where have you been?! Trust me. This one’s not your basic “Oh I’m a wizard, I guess?” story. You’ve got sexy magic, inter-dimensional travel, talking animals, and—best of all—some stellar bi and queer representation. Quentin Coldwater and Eliot Waugh’s relationship? Ugh, I loved their dynamic. There’s actual emotional depth beneath the sass and spells. And that scene in Season 1 where Eliot says, “I love you,” and Quentin’s just standing there, all confused and feels-y. Yes, give me more. Add tons of sarcasm and a bit of trauma, and this show just cracks me open every time. Magic in this universe has consequences—and so does love.

Okay, moving on to something darker, Cemetery Boys! So, technically this is a book, but I couldn’t not mention it. It’s about a trans boy, Yadriel, who accidentally summons a very cute (and very dead) boy’s ghost. Cue all kinds of paranormal hijinks. Ya’ll, if this doesn’t scream “Netflix, please adapt me right now,” then I don’t know what does. I mean, I’m just here waiting with popcorn and high expectations. If we do get a TV adaptation, it’s going to be the kind of show that lands smack dab on your rewatch list. Until then, just say it with me: GIVE US A CEMETERY BOYS SHOW.

Now, we can’t skip over the absolute pillar that is Buffy the Vampire Slayer—specifically, Willow and Tara. Do you remember when Tara showed up and Willow’s super shy “just friends” energy turned into “My goddess, I’m in love”? Besides the apocalypse-of-the-week format that never got old (giant snakes, Hellmouths, casual chaos?), their relationship felt groundbreaking at the time. Two witches falling in love while fighting the forces of darkness… like, what could be better? Not to mention Willow’s huge coming-out arc hit a lot of emotional beats, balancing Buffy’s epic battles with something much more intimate. Plus, Tara was just a cinnamon roll in witch form, and we deserved more of her. Let’s not talk about “Seeing Red.” Nope. Not today.

Alright, onto Teen Wolf. If you missed this cultural phenomenon back in the day, I’m both sad and… also jealous, because you get to experience it with fresh eyes. Stiles Stilinski, let’s be real, carried about 90% of the show with his personality alone. Then there’s Danny Mahealani, openly gay and casually awesome, hacking the plot forward while being, you know, cool about it. Is the plot a chaotic mess drenched in werewolf drama? Absolutely. But it’s fun wolf drama. More wolves, more gay characters—that should always be the goal moving forward.

Also, y’all, we’ve gotta talk about Shadowhunters. A bisexual warlock named Magnus Bane, played by the ridiculously charismatic Harry Shum Jr.? Say less. I don’t need any more convincing. Mix in Alec Lightwood, who’s super awkward yet emotionally intense when he comes around to fully owning who he is, and bam—you’ve got one of the most well-loved queer relationships in the genre. I still get feelings about Malec. They’re soft, but also deadly powerful. Magnus casually saving the world while wearing perfect eyeliner and fabulous jackets. Honestly, I aspire to be this extra in every aspect of life.

And if you’re into comics, you HAVE to check out ”Dead Boy Detectives.” It’s based on the DC comic book series, and it’s got this quirky, dark humor that I just adore. Plus, the two main characters, Edwin and Charles, are ghosts who solve crimes together. How cool is that? Unfortunately, the show was canceled after only one season. Typical Netflix.

And, while it might not be everyone’s usual cup of (blood? soul essence?), Hemlock Grove sticks with me too, because that show was a whole vibe. You’ve got vampires, werewolves, and a bunch of weird small-town magic sprinkled in, all wrapped up in horror. It’s a big yes from me, and I’ll never forget the vibe Famke Janssen threw down. There’s something about all that supernatural angst and subtle queer undertones that gave it… an edge.

Some other must-watch LGBTQ+ paranormal faves include:
– Legacies (hello, Hope Mikaelson, can we talk about queer witches?)
– The Old Guard (immortal warriors with soft but tough gay romance!)
– Sense8 (magic sci-fi vibes with a beautifully diverse queer cast)
– Supernatural (oh, the queerness in this show is subtle but there, especially with Cas and Dean moments – Plus, it’s got some seriously awesome queer characters, like Charlie Bradbury.)
– Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (I mean, the witchy queer representation was super fun.)
– Wynonna Earp (#WayHaught anyone? A bisexual cowgirl meets police officer dynamic. I love.)

Also adding quick nods to: The Haunting of Bly Manor, Constantine (queer vibes in both the show and movie), True Blood (was there any character not a little bisexual?), The L Word: Generation Q (because, ghosts?), American Horror Story (Coven, specifically for the witches), Interview with the Vampire, What We Do in the Shadows (quirky but gay vampires? Always yes), Torchwood, Being Human, Midnight, Texas, and Penny Dreadful.

Anyway, that’s my list. If you’re not already drowning in queer paranormal content, you’re welcome. Grab some popcorn or whatever your go-to binge snack is and dive right in. Monsters, magic, and queer romance? A winning combo!

Nick Michelson is 16 and he:

👻 Can see ghosts
🃏 Reads Tarot cards
💭 Gets visions of the future
🏃‍♂️May or may not have a crush on his best friend.
🔥 And ghosts come to him for help
☠️..and some, for revenge

Read the book that began it all…

Queer Magic & Monster Madness: My Favorite LGBTQ+ Paranormal Shows & Movies Read Post »

Kanopy: Your Ticket to Free Movie Nights Courtesy of Your Library Card!

By Roger Hyttinen / December 8, 2023

Photo by Jeshoots.com

So, I’ve stumbled upon this absolute gem of a service, and I just had to share it with you all. It’s called Kanopy, and get this – it’s like finding a secret door in your library that leads to a wonderland of films!

Now, let me set the scene. For those of you who follow this blog, you know that I’m on this crazy movie-a-day challenge for an entire year (I know, ambitious, right?), and just when I thought my wallet was going to stage a protest, Kanopy swooped in like a superhero. If it weren’t for this fantastic service, I’d probably be surviving on instant noodles to fund my film addiction!

Kanopy isn’t your run-of-the-mill streaming service. Oh no, it’s more like a cinephile’s dream come true, minus the hefty price tag. Thanks to the fairy godmothers and godfathers at your local public library or university, you can access thousands of films. Yes, you read that right – thousands!

Now, you might be thinking, “What’s the catch?” But here’s the kicker – there isn’t one! If you have a library card or are part of a university, you’re pretty much set. Just sign up, log in, and bam! You’re in movie heaven.

The selection? Oh, it’s like a buffet of cinematic delights. From those artsy indie films that make you feel intellectually superior, to the classic hits that remind you of the good old days. And documentaries? Kanopy’s got them in spades. You can practically hear the voice of your high school history teacher saying, “See, learning can be fun!”

What I love most about Kanopy is the absence of mainstream, commercial noise. It’s like walking into a boutique film shop where each movie is handpicked for its uniqueness. And the best part? No annoying ads interrupting your movie nights. That’s right, ad-free streaming! You can munch on your popcorn in peace.

And for the parents out there, Kanopy Kids is a lifesaver. It’s a safe, educational, and entertaining haven for the little ones. You can finally take a breather while your kids explore a world of learning and fun.

But remember, with great power comes great responsibility. Your access might be limited to a certain number of films per month, so choose wisely. It’s like being on a movie diet – good for your cinematic health!

So yeah, Kanopy is a hidden treasure for movie lovers. It’s easy to use, free with your library card or university affiliation, and offers a diverse range of films. So, grab your library card, pop some corn, and prepare for a movie marathon that won’t cost you a dime.

Catch you on the flip side,
Roger 👋

P.S. Don’t forget to thank your librarians next time. They’re the real MVPs for signing up for this service! 📚🎥🍿

Kanopy: Your Ticket to Free Movie Nights Courtesy of Your Library Card! Read Post »

On Customer Churn

By Roger Hyttinen / April 5, 2022

I read an interesting report about a topic I’ve written about a couple of times on the blog, especially in regards to cutting down the number of streaming services to which I’m subscribed. And that is: Customer Churn. I didn’t even know there was a name for this.

Customer Churn is when people subscribe to a streaming service such as Netflix, AppleTV+, or Hulu, watch the content they want to see, and then, when they’re done, ditch the service and move on to the next service. As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, I’m guilty of doing this. When there are several shows I want to see on a service, I’ll subscribe to that service for a month or two, binge-watch the shows and then cancel my subscription. In fact, I just canceled my Disney+ subscription because I’d finished the show/films I wanted to see there for the time being.

Apparently, the streaming companies loathe this practice, especially given that in the United States, customer churn rate is about 37%, which is a lot higher than I thought. I found it also interesting that half of Gen Z and Millennials report that they had switched streaming services over the past six months.

From what I could gather, people who are more comfortable with technology are more apt to engage in churn — this is to say, people who are tech-savvy enough to hop online, log in to their account, and cancel their subscription as compared to someone who is elderly or non-tech savvy and may find that whole process too daunting.

Another reason for churn is cost, which is certainly the case for me. I couldn’t afford to subscribe to every streaming service out there and pay their sometimes rather high monthly fee. The high monthly payment is the reason I dumped cable so long ago. It also makes little sense for me to watch a series for a month or two while paying for other streaming services that I’m not watching.

Streamer services are desperate to keep customers on their books while more and more customers are engaging in churning. The companies may just have to get used to the fact that people are going to watch a show and then, when finished, cancel their subscription until a new show or new season arrives. I suppose an alternative would be to stop offering monthly subscriptions and only provide yearly ones. If this ever happened with any of my streaming services, I would probably just cancel them entirely. Then, if there were anything I really wanted/needed to watch, I’d simply rent it on AppleTV or Amazon Prime Video.

I think if the streaming services want to minimize churn, they’ll have to put out regular, more engaging content to keep people engaged. For example, one service I tend to keep all year long (at least for the moment) is HBO Max. This is because they’ve been featuring a steady flow of new films and shows each month. For a while, they even showed first-run movies at the same time they were hitting the theaters. So I’ll probably be sticking with them for the time being.

So if you’ve decided to engage in this customer churning practice, know that you probably won’t be seen favorably by the streaming service. But perhaps they just have to get used to the fact that people are no longer happy paying for a year-round subscription, especially if they’re only watching content for a month or two.

How about you? Are you a “churner”?

On Customer Churn Read Post »

Television