Watching TV fiction in the age of digitization: A study into the viewing practices of engaged TV fiction viewers

This study explores the viewing practices of engaged TV fiction viewers in Flanders and the reasons for these particular practices. Through qualitative research using TV diaries and in-depth interviews we discovered an array of different viewing practices for TV fiction, which are composed out of three levels of time-shifting elements. Our study has shown that time-shifting happens at the level of technology (watching through live television, DVR, downloading or DVD), the level of the release date (original, Flemish or DVD), and at the level of the rhythm (watching one or multiple episodes). The time-shifting elements come together on a continuum of different viewing styles through which viewers shift. From the analysis of the reasons for TV fiction viewing practices, two main reasons emerged: the aspect of control and the social context. We concluded that the aspect of control could be assigned to the underlying motive of convenience and that watching TV fiction still is a shared experience.