Screaming Against the Streaming

Recovering addicts know that they dare not have even one drink or smoke or bet, because they know from personal experience that they can't stop at one.

I used to be a serialized-fiction addict and would immerse myself in mystery and science-fiction series to the detriment of work and personal life. I gave that up in favor of television and non-fiction business fare (which has no possibility of being addictive).

But now television-on-demand, digital videorecording, and Netflix threaten to upset the balance. Last year I binge-watched Season 1 of House of Cards but have avoided Season 2. In fact since HOC 1 I've not started any series in any medium. The remaining years are too short to get caught up in Mad Men or Orange is the New Black, outstanding entertainment experiences though they may be.

But if you can't stop clicking to the next episode to find out what happens, streaming veteran and WSJ reporter Michael Hsu has analyzed TV shows to determine at what point in the show the addict stands the best chance of stopping [bold added]:

Don't watch an episode to the end, because at that point, it's almost impossible to resist continuing to the next one. Instead, stop about three-quarters of the way in. The next time you watch, pick up from that point until most of the way into the following episode.

I know this sounds illogical. After all, how can it be easier to stop mid-show than at the end? But there's usually a lull in the narrative arc, when story lines get wrapped up and the pacing slows down. The show actually gets pretty boring.

"People unconsciously write this way," said Charlie Rubin, area head of television writing at the Tisch School of the Arts and a former writer for "Seinfeld" and "Law & Order: Criminal Intent." "It's inhale and exhale. There's always a dramatic moment, and then you pull back from it."

What's more, each episode weaves together multiple story lines, Mr. Rubin explained. The "A" story—the one involving the star—is what keeps you watching episode after episode (even the ones that don't end with obvious cliffhangers). The "B" and "C" stories involve the supporting characters.

"The usual rule of the universe is that you end your stories in order of their importance," with the minor ones wrapping first, Mr. Rubin said. "The order of finish is C-B-A."

Recovering binge-watchers can use this knowledge to their advantage. Although each show has its own template, you should try to quit at the end of the B or C story, said Mr. Rubin. "Once you cycle back to that A story, you want to see what's going to happen to Tina Fey or Tony Soprano. "

Colleagues who helped me test the theory (using "Scandal" and "Dr. Who") found that the sweet spot varies by series—but you can intuit it after watching a few episodes. In a roughly 45-minute episode (without commercials), it'll usually fall somewhere around 30 minutes in.

Good luck, and don't let your guard down.