Entre o devorar e o saborear: a influência do método de distribuição de séries nas práticas de interação de fãs brasileiros

Abstract

In recent years, several changes related to TV series temporality have been observed. These transformations are the result of a broader process, understood by many scholars as media convergence. New media platforms and new releasing strategies have also motivated new consumer behaviors, like binge-watching: the act of watching multiple episodes of a series in a non-stop session, instead of waiting for interruptions to the traditional television stream. Being aware that the gaps in broadcast programming have always been used by fans for processes of interaction and collective production of meaning and knowledge, our central question is: do new ways of watching influence fandom practices? So, this study aims to observe and analyze the practices of fans when it comes to consuming and to talk about series. To carry out the analysis, we adopted a qualitative methodology, with in-depth interviews with Brazilian fans of series who participate in online communities and carry out some activity in the fandom's cultural and textual production. We also distributed a survey (= 2000) to fans with the same profile. As outcomes, it was found that fans have built an individualized temporality when watching series. This individualization is reflected in fan communities, which is organized in different ways and based on internal rules to manage conflicts and to maintain fandom practices.