The Slate

Netflix has decided to stray from their all-at-once, binge-watching formula and opt for a segmented release schedule similar to TV. At least this is the plan for the next project, Turbo F.A.S.T., an animated series following the exploits of racing snails based on the summer Dreamwork Animation film, Turbo. Although the film was not an initial success, it has garnered a respectable box office earning. As such, Dreamwork Animation has ordered up a series that continues the story to be released on Netflix.

According to Variety, the series is set to premiere on Tuesday, Dec. 24 for instant global streaming. Usually this would mean every single episode would be viewable at that time. However, Netflix has decided to release only the first five episodes with the rest to be released throughout 2014.

This also marks Netflix’s first original production meant for kids and Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos tried to bring a lighter mood to the change by telling Variety, “‘With new episodes on their way in the coming months, kids will have something to look forward to all year.’” “All year” is the key phrase here since Netflix still has a deal with Dreamworks Animation to develop more than 300 hours of content based on their characters. The deal was struck earlier this summer.

There has been no clarification whether this will be Netflix’s new release style or if it’s a one time deal with Dreamworks. People have grown to love Netflix’s instant viewability - it would be a shame to lose it so quickly.