Youthful Americans often keep subtitles on while watching British content, much to the puzzlement of older generations. Increasingly though, older viewers are also adopting this habit for a simple reason: they can’t quite catch what anyone is saying.
If you’ve found yourself pausing during episodes of Netflix’s Baby Reindeer, Peaky Blinders, or Bodkin to figure out what’s being said, rest assured you’re not alone.
Netflix’s Kathy Rokni explains that the company’s in-house team of “subtitling experts and language managers” has been designed not only to enhance viewer experience but also to stay true to the filmmakers’ visions. We believe great stories transcend borders, cultures, abilities, and languages
, says Rokni. Notably, 40% of viewing time on Netflix now involves subtitles, half of which caters to users engaging subtitles even in their primary language. It’s a stark contrast from 1979 when Mad Max was dubbed into American English due to fears that Australian accents would be too difficult for American audiences to comprehend.
A Shift in British Television Accents
The trend towards realistic accents is evident in modern British TV. Shows no longer limit themselves to southern English or refined regional accents; instead, they embrace raw local dialects and brogues.
Cillian Murphy’s Enigmatic Portrayal in Peaky Blinders
Consider Cillian Murphy’s enigmatic portrayal of Thomas Shelby in Peaky Blinders. Tommy faces a pile of problems as his health deteriorates, and his family and business fall apart. This complexity sometimes makes it hard to catch every layer of dialogue.
The Haunting Reality of Baby Reindeer
Richard Gadd’s Netflix drama Baby Reindeer offers a dark narrative where the central character Donny slowly descends into paranoia and anxiety due to being stalked by an older woman named Martha. In episode four, viewers suddenly grasp Donny’s seemingly inexplicable actions as unexplained aspects become clear, highlighting the deeply personal experience Gadd brings to the screen.
The Hilarious Origins of Joey Gladstone
Full House fans might find it interesting that Dave Coulier’s character Joey Gladstone has a backstory involving a marijuana joke. Coulier himself revealed how he suggested the last name ‘Gladstone’ by quipping How about Gladstone?
. Reflecting on this choice, Coulier humorously admitted that he associated it with stoners: I always thought it was a funny name… I’m glad that I’m stoned.
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