Film Genres and Emotions: Genres Watched by Netflix Turkey Viewers and Emotion Variations During the Pandemic

Abstract

A dynamic relationship exists between a film/series and the viewer, and genres have an essential place in this relationship. Significantly, the experience of watching films and television series, which is gradually changing, also provides more detail regarding this relationship. Since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the viewing experience has changed, primarily through digital platforms. However, the viewer's tendency to use digital platforms provides more specific data. In this study, using data of genres watched on Netflix Turkey between 2020 and 2021, which was obtained from FlixPatrol, was analyzed in the context of genres and viewer emotions. Turkey's data for 2020 and 2021 and the full closure period between April 29 and May 14, 2021 were also examined. Furthermore, movie genres were analyzed quarterly and on a general basis, and the viewing rates of genres in the Top 10 were also interpreted. Numerical data were interpreted qualitatively in the context of genre and cognitive theories.