WASHINGTON D.C. — A groundbreaking report released Monday by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) reveals a direct, quantifiable link between the collective hours Americans spend streaming television and the nation’s Gross Domestic Product. The study, which analyzed anonymized data from major streaming platforms, indicates that a robust 10% increase in average daily binge-watching per household correlates with a 0.7% boost in quarterly economic growth.

“For years, we’ve been scratching our heads, wondering what drives the modern economy,” stated Dr. Evelyn Reed, lead economist for the NBER. “Turns out, it’s not innovation, or productivity, or even consumer spending on tangible goods. It’s the sheer, unadulterated dedication to finishing that third season of ‘The Gilded Age’ in one sitting. Every episode watched is a tiny cog in the economic machine.”

The findings have prompted immediate policy discussions, with some lawmakers proposing tax incentives for households demonstrating exceptional streaming stamina. “We need to encourage our citizens to do their part,” said Senator Mildred Hayes (R-WY), gesturing emphatically with a remote control. “Forget infrastructure. We need more bandwidth, more comfortable recliners, and a national strategy to ensure no one ever has to leave the house again.”

Critics, however, warn that this new economic model could lead to a severe shortage of clean laundry and meaningful human interaction, but economists assure the public that these are acceptable trade-offs for a healthy stock market.