In a groundbreaking study that has puzzled both economists and entertainment executives, researchers at the prestigious Binge Institute of Economics have discovered an uncanny correlation between global economic cycles and the release schedules of popular TV series.
The study, published in the Journal of Improbable Economic Indicators, analyzed data from the past two decades and found that market booms consistently coincide with the premiere of new seasons of hit shows, while economic downturns align suspiciously well with season finales and long hiatuses.
Lead researcher Dr. Emma Nielson explained, “We initially thought it was coincidence, but the pattern is undeniable. The 2008 financial crisis? That was when ‘Lost’ started to lose its plot. The recent bull market? Perfectly timed with the ‘Succession’ finale.”
The findings have prompted a flurry of activity on Wall Street, with traders now obsessively tracking TV guides alongside traditional market indicators. One hedge fund manager admitted, “I’ve hired a team of film students to predict the next big streaming hit. It’s our new secret weapon.”
Streaming giants have been quick to capitalize on the discovery. Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos announced plans to stagger show releases to “ensure a stable global economy,” while HBO Max is rumored to be developing a series specifically designed to influence commodity prices.
Critics argue that the correlation is spurious, but supporters point out that the theory explains why everyone feels broke after binge-watching an entire season in one weekend.