Final answer:
The author begins the article with certain paragraphs to focus on the significance of the entertainment debate and to show the extent of American media consumption habits.
Step-by-step explanation:
Based on the provided context of the article's introduction and its contents, the author most likely chooses to begin with these paragraphs to emphasize the importance of the debate by giving readers an idea of how many Americans binge-watch entertainment. The use of a compelling statistic about the film industry's worth and a familiar phrase from a popular TV show serves to illustrate the profound impact that film and TV have on American culture. Furthermore, citing Nielsen research and discussing the rise of cable and internet-based entertainment options, like streaming services and online gaming, supports the notion that our appetite for entertainment has significant cultural and social implications.