Skip to main content

People really will binge on Netflix anywhere these days — even public restrooms

netflix public binge watch tablet outdoors
Bialasiewicz/123RF
People are watching Netflix on trains and buses, at the office, and in public restrooms. Wait, restrooms? It seems that people will binge on Netflix anywhere these days.

Now that technology allows us to stream and download video to mobile devices more easily than ever, Netflix and similar services have well and truly left the living room to enjoy a new existence out in the wild.

Recommended Videos

Exactly a year after Netflix made it even easier to watch content on the go, research conducted by SurveyMonkey on behalf of the company has revealed that 67 percent of folks who use streaming services happily watch content when out and about.

“Be prepared that streaming Stranger Things while surrounded by strangers is making social norms go upside down,” Netflix said in response to its findings. “And catching someone snooping on your screen during a risqué scene or LOL’ing on a crowded train is the new normal.”

Ah yes, snooping. If you’re one of those who likes to spend your commute watching a show or movie, have you ever caught someone looking over your shoulder? According to the research, almost half (45 percent) of those watching on the go have caught a “backseat binger,” as Netflix calls them, snooping on their screen.

Only 18 percent have ever felt embarrassed about what they’ve been spotted watching, though whether that’s down to the content or the personality of the viewer is anyone’s guess. Risking having their sanity questioned, more than half of the survey’s 37,000 respondents admitted they’ve suddenly laughed out loud —in public — while watching video content on their phone, while 20 percent have cried.

But have you ever considered that watching content in public risks ruining a show or movie for others? Eleven percent of public bingers have apparently been hit with spoilers, suggesting they should really fire up their own smartphones rather than spend time looking at those of their fellow commuters.

While you might think that being glued to videos means blocking out the rest of the world, 27 percent of public bingers have had their viewing experience interrupted by a stranger who wanted to chat about what they’re watching. The survey declines, however, to mention what percent of bingers felt annoyed by having their viewing experience disrupted.

For some addicts, the bingeing doesn’t even stop when they get to work, with 37 percent admitting to having sneaked a peek when they should’ve been doing other things, and 12 percent admitting to hitting the play button in the restroom.

And as if you needed more proof of how streaming services are seemingly taking over our lives, most public bingers in the survey said “access to movies and TV shows” was more important than enjoying a bite to eat while traveling. Although they probably do both anyway.

Trevor Mogg
Contributing Editor
Not so many moons ago, Trevor moved from one tea-loving island nation that drives on the left (Britain) to another (Japan)…
5 movies leaving Netflix in August 2024 you have to watch now
Tobey Maguire in Spider-Man 2.

The summer might be ending, but Netflix is still using this time to release blockbusters. One of the streamer's latest offerings is The Union, an action comedy starring Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry. If espionage is not your thing, you can pivot to other action spectacles, including Logan Lucky, Damsel, and Mortal Kombat.

While the previously mentioned movies will remain on the streamer for the foreseeable future, a select group of movies are departing the service at the end of the month. This is the last chance to watch these films on Netflix this month. Make it a point to watch these five movies before August ends. Our picks include a 1990s comedy, a spectacular superhero adaptation, and a sweet coming-of-age story.
The Nutty Professor (1996)

Read more
5 great Netflix Christmas movies to watch in July
A man and woman sit on a bench next to a dog.

The summer movie season is typically filled with action spectacles, supersized sequels, and crowd-pleasing blockbusters. Inside Out 2, A Quiet Place: Day One, and Bad Boys: Ride or Die were big hits with audiences, with Twisters and Deadpool & Wolverine coming later this month. If you want to experiment and change it up, watch a Christmas movie on Netflix.

No rules state that you can only watch a Christmas movie during the holiday season. Christmas is six months away, so why not get a head start on some holiday movies? Check out these five Christmas movies that are streaming on Netflix. Our picks include some Christmas rom-coms and a family-friendly adventure with Santa Claus.
The Noel Diary (2022)

Read more
5 great Netflix kids movies to watch in the summer
A family of four stand next to each other and make awkward faces.

What a summer it's been for kids' movies. Inside Out 2 is breaking box office records every single day. The Pixar sequel became the fastest animated movie to cross the $1 billion threshold and could legitimately become the highest-grossing animated film of all time. Despicable Me 4 will not catch Inside Out 2's box office grosses, but the Minions are well on their way to becoming one of the most popular movies of 2024.

While animated movies are an excellent option for families, they only represent a portion of the movies offered to kids. Netflix has entire genres and subgenres dedicated to children, from comedies and dramas to fantasy and sci-fi. Below is a list of five kids movies to watch this summer. Our selections include a popular video game adaptation, a sports comedy from a comedic icon, and a fun body-swapping adventure.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)

Read more