Where Hustle Meets Binge-Watching
“Just one more episode”, they say, and before you know it, hours have flown by as they immerse themselves in their favourite shows. It's almost addictive—a dopamine rush that leaves them feeling good. Many self proclaimed TV show enthusiasts describe binge watching as an easy, feel good fix. Recognising this trend, Corporate Citizen takes a stroll into the world of TV show aficionados to understand their deep seated love for binge watching
Binge-watching sparked my creativity
-Sri Krishna,
writer and editor
What sparked your interest in binge-watching TV shows?
Keeping the entertainment aspect aside, I’ve always found watching TV shows or now OTT to be a great way of improving my language skills and creativity. As a teenager, I would often take notes of nice dialogues and use them in my day-to-day life. Surprisingly, this practice laid the groundwork for a decade-spanning career in writing.
What's your all-time favourite show, and how long did it take you to binge watch it?
I think three shows that I’ve watched countless times and I can still watch are Dragon Ball Z, a Japanese anime television series, Two and a Half Men, an American television sitcom, and Californication, an American comedy-drama television series. While the anime takes me a week or more to binge-watch, the other two can take about 2-3 days maximum.
Which TV show character do you relate to the most and why?
Henry James "Hank" Moody, the protagonist of Californication, portrayed by actor David Duchovny—a perpetually confused writer looking for his next muse.
Do you use any TV show references in your daily/work conversations:
In my line of work, I've dealt with a lot of people from foreign countries. I think TV shows have given me a certain degree of exposure to the cultural differences between us (Indians) and others, further helping me break the ice, understanding them and their thought process.
If given the chance, whose role would you assume in a TV show?
I honestly would love to play the role of an anti-hero. Someone like Vegeta from Dragon Ball Z or Kaleen Bhaiya from Mirzapur or even Harshad Mehta from Scam 1992. There's just so much more depth into their characters than a normal, mainstream hero.
Have you encountered any particularly memorable or unusual experiences related to your binge-watching habits in the corporate world?
Yes. I found it to be a great icebreaker while dealing with freshers. Not only does it help start the conversation, but it gives you a sense of their likes and dislikes as a person, which could be used constructively in the corporate world.
If you could invite any character from a TV show to join your corporate team, who would it be and why?
I'd love to have Bunty from Sacred Games join my team. An honest, reliable teammate whom you can talk to without corporate filters.
Top 5 TV show suggestions:
Californication, Death Note, Dragon Ball Z, Bombay Begums, Orange Is The New Black.
Proud to be a part of this pop culture influence
-Devesh Purohit,
brand consultant and author
What sparked your interest in binge-watching TV shows?
Pop culture influence, the presence of famous actors in the shows, and the rhythmic songs. I have been a consumer of stories since childhood, and I feel TV and OTT are just modern-day versions.
What's your all-time favourite show, and how long did it take you to binge-watch it?
The first season of Inside Edge, an Indian sports-drama television series and Panchayat, an Indian comedy drama, which captures the journey of an engineering graduate who joins as secretary of a Panchayat office in a remote village of Uttar Pradesh, finished watching these series in just a few days.
Which TV show character do you relate to the most and why?
Agastya Rao played by actor late Sidharth Shukla in Broken But Beautiful, 2018 Hindi romance web series (Season 3) is something I relate to. It provided a pathway to healing. At different junctures, I found parallels in my thought process with the character.
Can you share some ways in which you integrate discussions about TV shows into your corporate culture? Do you use any TV show references in your daily/work conversation:
Yes, popular show references help in understanding, citing examples and giving clarity on some situations and briefs. At times talking to close colleagues, I do quote some references from shows and they too, and many a time in meme format. In some pitch proposals to my clients, I used images of TVF Pitchers 2, an Indian drama story of trials and tribulations of four young entrepreneurs who quit their day jobs, and Scam 1992, an Indian biographical financial thriller, to add a fun element and pop culture reference.
If given the chance, whose role would you assume in a TV show?
Agastya Rao from Broken But Beautiful, Srikant Tiwari from The Family Man and Naveen Bansal from TVF Pitchers, because all three are amazing storytellers.
Have you encountered any particularly memorable or unusual experiences related to your binge-watching habits in the corporate world?
None
Top 5 TV show suggestions:
Broken But Beautiful season 3, TVF Aspirants series, Tandav, The Family Man, Vishnu Puran.
Unwinding through binge watching
-Neha Iyer,
corporate communications professional
What sparked your interest in binge-watching TV shows?
TV shows are the need for relaxation and entertainment after a long day of managing corporate life, household chores and attending to familial duties. It started as a way to unwind and escape into different worlds, experiencing stories and characters that I could relate to or find intriguing.
What's your all-time favourite show, and how long did it take you to binge-watch it?
Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, a classic Indian sitcom that brilliantly captures the dynamics of an eccentric Gujarati family living in Mumbai. It took me a few days to binge-watch all episodes due to its hilarious comedy and endearing characters.
Which TV show character do you relate to the most and why?
Claire Dunphy from Modern Family—Claire is depicted as a dedicated wife and caring mother who juggles her roles with humour, determination and occasional perfectionism. Her struggles to maintain a balance between family life and personal aspirations while dealing with everyday chaos resonate deeply with my own experiences. Like Claire, I find myself navigating the challenges of parenthood, career and relationships with a mix of determination and humour, making her character highly relatable to my journey as an Indian mother.
Can you share some ways in which you integrate discussions about TV shows into your corporate culture? Do you use any TV show references in your daily/work conversations?
Integrating discussions about TV shows into corporate culture can foster a sense of camaraderie among colleagues. We often use TV show references in our daily conversations, injecting humour and relatability into our interactions. For instance, discussing leadership styles by drawing parallels with characters from shows like The Office or Suits can make meetings more engaging and enjoyable
If given the chance, whose role would you assume in a TV show?
I'd pick the fabulous Maya Sarabhai—imagine the endless social satire. The world throws a treasure trove of absurdity at us every day, and with my vast knowledge base, I could dissect it all with Maya's signature wit. Think of the one-liners I could drop at those pretentious gatherings Oh! the delightful social carnage!
Have you encountered any particularly memorable or unusual experiences related to your binge-watching habits in the corporate world?
When I discovered a colleague who shared my enthusiasm for a particular TV show, we bonded over discussing plot twists, character developments, and our favourite moments during lunch breaks or after work. It created a unique connection beyond our professional roles and added a fun dimension to our workplace interactions .
If you could invite any character from a TV show to join your corporate team, who would it be and why?
Without a doubt, Harvey Specter from Suits. His confidence, sharp wit, and strategic thinking would bring a dynamic edge to our team. Plus, his ability to navigate high-pressure situations and negotiate effectively would be invaluable in driving success and inspiring excellence within the organisation.
Top 5 TV show suggestions:
The Crown, a gripping historical drama offering insight into the British monarchy, Sacred Games, a gritty Indian crime thriller exploring the underworld of Mumbai. Black Mirror, a thought-provoking anthology series delving into the dark side of technology and its impact on society. Paatal Lok, a gritty crime drama that delves into the dark underbelly of Indian society, as a washed-up cop investigates a high-profile assassination attempt. The Family Man, a spy thriller series that follows the double life of a middle-class man who works as an intelligence officer while trying to balance his family responsibilities.
TV show binging is a corporate therapy
-Vaibhav Kulkarni,
branding, marketing consultant and industry veteran
What sparked your interest in binge-watching TV shows?
My interest in binge-watching TV shows stems from the desire to see the world beyond spreadsheets and meetings. It serves as a form of relaxation rather than escapism, where I can let my mind rest in the captivating narratives and let my imagination take over.
What's your all-time favourite show, and how long did it take you to binge-watch it?
Breaking Bad, an American crime drama television series created and produced by Vince Gilligan. This show spellbound me with its intricate plot, compelling character development, and brilliant performances. Binge-watching all five seasons of Breaking Bad took me approximately four weeks, as I found myself engrossed in the intense and suspenseful storyline. The last season especially was a two-day trip.
Which TV show character do you relate to the most and why?
Actor Jon Hamm who plays Don Draper in Mad Men, an American period drama television series, is my spirit animal. I resonate with his ability to craft compelling narratives and navigate the complexities of the advertising industry. His journey of self-discovery and pursuit of success amidst personal struggles resonates with my professional journey. Plus, who wouldn't want to rock those suave suits and sip on liquor like a boss.
Can you share some ways in which you integrate discussions about TV shows into your corporate culture? Do you use any TV show references in your daily/work conversations?
? I do not plan for this in my conversations and it flows naturally. It does help break the ice at times and get into creative thinking with my team members or even referencing certain examples. For example, I might draw references from Game of Thrones, an American fantasy drama television series, to emphasise the importance of strategic media alliances or brand partnerships or draw parallels between The Office, an American mockumentary sitcom television series, and office dynamics.
If given the chance, whose role would you assume in a TV show?
As mentioned above, Don Draper from Mad Men.
Have you encountered any particularly memorable or unusual experiences related to your binge-watching habits in the corporate world?
A healthy discussion about TV shows and other OTT content is quite common. I've personally found sharing recommendations and discussing favourite shows as a great way to bond with colleagues. However, it's essential to strike a balance and ensure that it doesn't interfere with productivity or professionalism.
If you could invite any character from a TV show to join your corporate team, who would it be and why?
Mike Ross portrayed by Patrick Johannes Adams from Suits, an American legal drama television series. His exceptional intellect, resourcefulness, and knack for thinking outside the box makes him the ultimate asset.
Top 5 TV show suggestions:
Breaking Bad, Mad Men, Game of Thrones, The Office (The US version) and Suits.
Mastering the art of relaxation and revelation
-Vishal Kamat,
director, Kamat Hotels
What sparked your interest in binge watching TV shows?
I've been a binge watcher since before it became a trend. It all started in my childhood when I was captivated by the amazing TV shows airing at the time. The VCR my parents owned proved to be invaluable. I used to stay up all night watching my favourite programmes over and over again. This habit stuck with me over the years and reached its peak with the phenomenal show Game of Thrones, a famous TV series created by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss for HBO, which I still consider one of the greatest. Binge watching not only helps me relax but some programmes are interesting and educating as well, teaching a lot of insightful things.
What's your all-time favourite show, and how long did it take you to binge-watch it?
For a true binge watcher, it's difficult to pick a favourite because all shows offer valuable lessons or entertainment. But if I had to choose one at the gunpoint, I'd pick Modern Family, the family sitcom created by Christopher Lloyd and Steven Levitan. The characters' bonding, chemistry and acting are fantastic. It's not easy to evoke a rollercoaster of emotions over the years and yet consistently make the viewer laugh. This requires true talent, which the Modern Family team possesses. With 11 seasons, I must have binge-watched multiple times and still do see episodes at random.
Which TV show character do you relate to the most and why?
I relate to the all characters from Modern Family the most because the show presents a diverse range of personalities and situations, allowing me to find connections with at least one character in various life scenarios. This broad representation enables me to see aspects of my life reflected in the experiences and personalities of the characters throughout the series.
Can you share some ways in which you integrate discussions about TV shows into your corporate culture? Do you use any TV show references in your daily/work conversations?
As part of conversations, it does come out with some clients occasionally. But with my friends, our conversations go to lengths about TV shows talking mostly about the technical aspects.
If given the chance, whose role would you assume in a TV show?
I would love to portray Patrick Jane, played by Simon Baker, the main character in The Mentalist, a TV series about crime and investigation involving homicides. His character fascinates me because he possesses extraordinary skills that set him apart from the rest. Having said that, I also feel, I am not cut for showbiz and will stick to hotels and hospitality.
Have you encountered any particularly memorable or unusual experiences related to your binge-watching habits in the corporate world?
Many of the humorous situations depicted in the show Brooklyn Nine-Nine, a police comedy TV series, is memorable, so much-so that in dire situations, I smile ear to ear thinking about the comic situations.
If you could invite any character from a TV show to join your corporate team, who would it be and why?
Dr. Cal Lightman, portrayed by Tim Roth in the American crime drama television series Lie to Me, would make a perfect addition to the team due to his unique abilities. He has the remarkable skill of extracting information from suspects by gauging their emotions. This ability will greatly enhance my team's investigative capabilities.
Top 5 TV show suggestions:
The Mentalist, Modern Family, The Simpsons, Game of Thrones and The Expanse.