binger

Binger is a colloquial noun referring to a person who engages in binge consumption, most commonly binge-watching television shows or streaming content in one sitting or over a short period. The term derives from binge, meaning to indulge in something to excess, with the -er suffix forming a noun for a person. Its usage has grown with the rise of streaming platforms that release multiple episodes or entire seasons at once.

In everyday and popular discourse, a binger is someone who plans or accepts long viewing sessions, often fueled by new releases, recommendations, or the desire to complete a series quickly. The concept is widely discussed in media studies and cultural commentary as part of on-demand viewing habits, with attention to factors such as convenience, social participation, narrative payoff, and potential impact on sleep or daily routines. Streaming services sometimes tailor features and recommendations to appeal to bingers, such as auto-playing next episodes or curating binge-friendly lists.

The term also appears in contexts broader than television, referring to anyone who consumes large amounts of media or content in a single sitting, though it is most common in relation to TV and streaming. It can be confused with or contrasted with binge eating, a clinical condition characterized by episodes of consuming large quantities of food with a sense of loss of control. Although both share the root “binge,” they describe distinct behaviors and should be treated as separate concepts.

See also: binge-watching, streaming media, binge eating, habit formation.