• by Wayne Friedman , Staff Writer, August 8, 2023

Would you want to know how this upcoming story concludes now -- or near the end of reading this column?

The ending of  the spoiler alert messaging is upon us. Too much of everything -- analysis, social media, access, other TV shows -- may make it obvious and less concerning, resulting in an acceptable level of spillage.

Fresh or live broadcasts of your favorite shows -- at a specific time of day -- are becoming a thing of the past -- especially  on streaming.

How many viewers know the exact time and day of when episodes of their favorite series are released? Are streaming platforms -- and other platforms -- being clear about that?

Even as live, linear TV networks continue to offer up live airings of their new TV series episodes the next day on their premium streaming services, promos and advertising on those networks will hardly ever use the words "spoiler alert" in and around their messaging.

If you wanted to know about the ending of "Succession" -- some months ago -- you could find on HBO, the linear cable TV network, a specific day for the release of those last 10 episodes, with the final episode on May 28.

But beyond the most fervent fans is the broader, more general viewing public really worried about this?

If HBO subscribers also had access to streamer Max (formerly HBO Max), perhaps there would be less rush for some given that they had to get through other TV content on their agenda.

Good news -- the longer duration between the initial airing of a popular show's release and intended viewing may mean less chance you will run analysis/content that will ruin your valuable daily TV consumption.

At the same time people believe “spoiler tags” should be ubiquitous on anything in reference to modern entertainment content. But how far does one take this? 

Maybe there is an argument to be made about big popular current theatrical movies. But what about recent, semi-recent popular TV shows?

If I don't want to hear how the last season of "Succession" end up, and inadvertently end up reading some general analysis about story structure as it concerns modern day dramatic TV series-- and the writer mentions a big reveal -- is it my fault?

Forget about “Succession” for the moment. What about if a current writer offers analysis of the final episode of HBO’s “The Sopranos” -- which ended its run in 2007 -- with no notice of spoiler alert? Is that fair game?

Unfortunately, the streaming world gives you options. Netflix continues to release complete TV season episodes.

But Disney+, Apple TV+ and others still offer just one weekly episode at a time. Does this take care of your spoiler alert needs?

Sports, of course, may be another thing. Video on demand can time-shift live airings as well. But real or near time messaging from friends, or social media missives may blow things up for you. 

Avoidance of related content around popular entertainment takes work.

Mistakes do happen. TV Watch just rolls with it.

Some might say episode-by-episode warnings are not as important as TV series finales. And we have the reverse being true as well. Typically, the journey is usually more interesting. 

After all, while the plane still lands during the last episode of  "Seinfeld," a tease of a romantic climax scene between Jerry and Elaine never gets off the ground.

What does that mean? A show about “nothing” may just say it all.