Background and aims: Binge-watching (i.e., watching multiple episodes of a TV series in one session) has recently
become standard practice among TV series viewers; this expansion generates concerns regarding the potential
negative outcomes associated with this habit. However, the investigation of its psychological correlates remains
fragmentary, with few initial studies a priori conceptualizing this behavior as a new addictive disorder. This study
explored these psychological correlates using cluster analysis of binge-watching behavior based on three key
psychological factors: motivations, impulsivity, and emotional reactivity. Methods: An online survey was completed
by 4,039 TV series viewers. Data were analyzed using hierarchical and non-hierarchical cluster analyses, the validity
of the clusters being finally determined through mutual comparisons with a selection of external correlates.
Results: Four clusters were identified: recreational TV series viewers (presenting low involvement in binge-watching),
regulated binge-watchers (moderately involved), avid binge-watchers (presenting elevated but non-problematic
involvement), and unregulated binge-watchers (presenting potentially problematic involvement associated with
negative outcomes). Discussion and conclusions: This study underlines the heterogeneous and multidetermined nature
of binge-watching. Our findings suggest that high engagement in binge-watching is distinct from problematic
binge-watching, thus reinforcing the notion that conceptualizing binge-watching as an addictive disorder is of low
relevance and might actually lead to the overpathologization of this highly popular leisure activity