What is the Statute of Limitations on Film Spoilers?

Anyone who loves to read a good book, watch a good movie, or enjoy an amazing story in some other form knows how disappointing it is if someone tells you all about the narrative and spoils the ending for you. In fact, if you’ve ever been told about a great film and wished it wasn’t “spoiled” for you, chances are you might be wondering what the Statute of limitations on film spoilers is, and if there isn’t one for some reasons – then why not?

When is it okay to discuss the secrets of a film? Immediately after it’s released? Ever? Never? If you’re the filmmaker, you might say – “Never!” Why wouldn’t you?

Of course you don’t want the fruits of your labor to be spoiled. Such that those who may have had a profound interest in viewing the creation are now only sub-par considering it.

But is there any statute of limitations on film spoilers and the extent to which it ever is, or is not, okay to talk about the secrets of a film?

To Tell or Not to Tell

The burning question, for film critics and for those who just plain like to gossip about all things film, is whether it’s okay and more so WHEN is it okay to spoil the ending.

To share details of a film with the world and to do so without first announcing, “Spoiler Alert!” Is it ever okay to tell the gritty details of a film? Is there a statute of limitations on film spoilers and if not, should there be?

While most agree that it’s uncandid to spoil a film right away, or to give out details to a popular sitcom before enough time has elapsed for the “cord-cutters” to experience the show. How long is “enough” time? When is it okay to tell, and when is it best not to tell?

Social Media’s Influence

With social media more impactful than ever before, film spoilers are more profound than ever. Gone are the days that you could share details about a movie with a friend whom you went to the theater with and be satisfied.

With everything we see, and do, exploited on social media. It’s so easy to spoil a film now without even thinking about the fact that we’re ruining the emotional experience for others by sharing our thoughts online. But what constitutes an “old” movie?

Is it when a film has surpassed the theaters and is available on Blu-ray? Is it once the film is available for download via Amazon or another third party vendor for purchase?

What about films that are 100+ years old? If you haven’t seen it, then to hear the ending would still spoil it – wouldn’t it?

Technically there are No Statutes of Limitations on Film Spoilers

That’s right, we said it. There are not technically any statutes of limitations on film spoilers. There is always someone who “hasn’t seen” a film.

Although the older a film is, the harder it will become to find someone who “hasn’t seen” it, there will still be people that have yet to watch even a film or a theatrical presentation or some other presentation that is considered old.

For Example

Take Hamlet, a play written by William Shakespeare 400 years ago – have you seen it? Have you heard of it? Most of us have, but there are plenty who have not and to give away the ending would spoil it for that subgroup all be it small or difficult to find. 

As a general rule or consideration though, we try not to spoil films right away. We try to be considerate of other viewers. Announcing “Spoiler Alert” before giving rise to any of the finer details of a film within the context of a blog post or social media update.

The internal statute of limitations on spoilers for film, those that film lovers and critics as a whole tend to abide by do vary, largely based on the type of motion picture we’re talking about.

Let’s take a look at when it’s okay to spoil a show:

• Reality television shows tend to have the shortest timeframe upon. Which it becomes considered “acceptable” or otherwise “okay” to share details, generally shortly after an episode airs.
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• Narrative television shows have a slightly longer timeframe before we consider it okay to share the details. Generally allowing for communication about the show to take place in the same day that it airs. But waiting until it has finished showing on traditional television scheduling.
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• Movies and feature films are generally seen as works that should not be spoiled until at least the Monday following the theatrical release of the film.

Taking Away the Excitement

Of course, these timelines may not coincide with what is acceptable or “right” in your mind, or in the minds of someone else.

Especially someone that has cut the cord and does not engage in traditional viewing as soon as the television show is available. Or one who does not go to the theater to experience the film on the height of its premiere in theaters.

Consider those members of the audience who might wait several weeks to see a film. Spoilers are literally a way of spoiling the excitement and emotional value of a film before it is seen.

Common Courtesy in the “Spoiler Alert”

While there are not statutes of limitations on film spoilers, common courtesy generally depicts that the “spoiler alert” should be announced prior to any fine details of a film. Particularly those relative to the plot ending or a plot twist, being introduced.

The rules are different for different types of spoilers. Naturally when the spoiler is given in the context of a post. Such as within the body it’s easier to “hide” or to protect those who haven’t yet seen the film from reading the content.

But what about when a spoiler is included in the headline?

When a spoiler is introduced in the headline of a film. Where the title will flow into RSS feeds and into inboxes. With little, if any, way of preventing those who haven’t seen the film from seeing the spoiler, there certainly should be more consideration taken.

Certainly more common courtesy should come into play when a spoiler is to be included in the title. Where anyone can and anyone most likely WILL see it.

But unfortunately again, there really are no statutes of limitations on film spoilers. Which means the world can and will share what they share when they want to share it.

So, for those who are worried about a film being spoiled, the only real protection in today’s social media rich environment is probably to completely disconnect. Until you’re ready to engage and open to hear all the different potential spoilers that could arise in the process. 

The Takeaway

How about in your life? Do you have a statute of limitations on film spoilers? How much time is “enough” time to elapse before you share the details of a film, television show, or series?