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How Viewers Find Extra Entertainment Between Shows

Tomas Mazowski
Written by: Tomas Mazowski, TV enthusiast and streaming expert
Last updated: January 13, 2026

Have you ever finished one movie or episode of The Woods and waited for the next one to start?

Perhaps you sat through the minutes of ads or browsed the streaming menu because nothing new came on yet. Most give up and grab their smartphone to view extra entertainment or find more that suits their style. These moments that replace short breaks happen daily, even outside of TV viewing.

These tiny gaps are crucial because they showcase a shift in viewing habits and the value of bite-sized entertainment. This article will help you understand why you instinctively grab your phone during downtime. Be it while you browse for the perfect film and in between episodes of a show, you will better understand why it happens.

TV Viewing Isn’t Continuous Anymore

Modern content is consumed through streaming services and on-demand platforms. Whether you finish an episode of Detective Forst or browse for another, these breaks are planned and ever-present.

While on broadcast TV, ad breaks are pushed into the middle of the content instead of the end. In comparison, this breaks the flow of viewing and opens up opportunities for extra entertainment to shine.

In both cases, these moments aren’t interruptions but a normal part of TV viewing hobbies. They are normalized, and we have adapted to them, so we use them as ways to consume extra entertainment or complete short tasks.

So don’t feel bad if you are constantly seeking out entertainment even during “break” segments.

Second Screens and Micro-Entertainment

Modern content consumption has also evolved and adapted to how many of media devices we have access to. As it stands, pretty much anything with a screen can play media and offer us entertainment. Be it your phone giving you access to a second monitor, allowing you to catch up with the latest trends, or play quick online casino games.

The latter is a very popular option with dozens of platforms available on all devices. Interested gamers can easily follow a ranking of safe no deposit bonuses to find platforms and claim a bonus. These resources are also useful tools to compare available options and make the best decision.

These devices are very common as they also serve as communication tools and are quick and easy to pick up. There is no big commitment to use them, so they foster second-screen habits, and you can instantly access a variety of short-form media from them:

These activities are popular because they are suitable for short moments. Instead of waiting for queues or long loading times, viewers can grab instant fun that is as easy to put down to get back to the show. Even though it can be difficult at times to put the phone down and go back, once the algorithm sweeps you up.

Why Viewers Prefer Low-Commitment Entertainment

People’s viewing habits have significantly shifted over the past two decades. This has forced industries and advertisers to adapt and hold their attention. The current trend of second-screening is the result of this. Social media platforms now capture more consumer attention than television, according to the “Digital 2025 July Global Statshot Report” by Meltwater and We Are Social.

Watching a movie or starting a new series always feels like a big undertaking you need to be prepared for. Simply picking up your phone and opening a page or app takes seconds and instantly rewards you. There is no need to wait for the suspense to build up or prepare yourself to focus deeply. Low-commitment entertainment thrives on breaks between shows and life to grasp our attention.

This content, be it scrolling feeds or quick games like a light online casino during TV breaks, perfectly fits the experience. What's more important is that they don’t take away from the experience but rather slip in to fill in the natural breaks of entertainment.

Trust and Familiarity Shape Viewer Choices

Content that is quick and fun is always welcomed, but its comfort and safety are very important. When consuming short-form content, individuals prefer clear and trustworthy platforms because, unlike untrustworthy platforms, they don’t:

This is why casual online entertainment is the best option. It's familiar and trustworthy, which allows viewers to know exactly what they are consuming. Most opt to stick to a few platforms during breaks while watching TV. This helps avoid bloating and limits how much individuals can doom-scroll.

Entertainment That Fits Around TV, Not Instead of It

Most viewers are not trying to replace their TV with a phone or tablet, but there is a large amount that use it as background noise. For these individuals, it is a device that is both complementary and essential to the experience. The same applies in the inverse situation, as extra entertainment can be much more than just short-form content.

People often use the TV as an optional source while they explore their social networks or personal projects. Standing in as a secondary source, it allows the main show to have its place and be easily paused. This gives a stress-free experience where individuals can quickly adapt to their preferred media at an instant.

Conclusion

Entertainment between shows is now a normal part of how people watch TV. Short pauses and ad breaks create moments that viewers naturally fill with quick activities. Each of these extra entertainment activities is are personal rituals that enhance the experience. 

As such, they are valuable and important elements that even content creators are embracing and feeding on. If you often catch yourself slipping into this habit, make sure you learn to manage it. By picking entertainment that fits your pace and improves breaks, you will improve your viewing experience.