Why you want to re-watch your favourite show

Have you ever finished watching your favourite show more than once? Thrice? 7 times? Me too! But thankfully it's actually got some psychology behind it!

Lower Cognitive Load

When you watch a brand new show you have to get used to new characters, new stories and try to guess the twist. Although this can be fun it can be tiring.

However, when you watch a re-run you already know what all the jokes are. Who is lying, who is falling in love and who is leaving. This means your brain doesn't have to do any thinking! In counselling terms this is known as a lower cognitive load. But you could also see it as having a movie break with snacks.

You Know The Characters

Have you ever watched your favourite TV show because you were finding it too quiet at home? Well this is a common trait. A study in 2009 found that people would often turn to their favourite shows when they felt lonely. After watching they would feel less lonely.

This is known as social surrogacy. Your favourite show can act as a substitute for someone to be with you.

This makes sense as you know how the characters will speak, how they will act and they will never let you down by cancelling.

Boosts Will Power

Imagine a long day at work. You have had to be polite when you didn't really want to be. You have had to concentrate when your mind has been all over the place. You are completely drained.

Psychologist Jaye Derrick looked into this. She found in her 2013 study that after mentally draining tasks, people often turn to familiar fictional worlds such as their favourite show. This helped them regain their self-control. This helped them to regain their self-control.

However, a new episode of their favourite show didn't help.

Nostalgia

Some shows make you think back. Perhaps it was something you used to watch as a child. You used to snuggle up on the sofa with your family and argue over the remote.

Watching it now brings back some of those feelings. For a few minutes everything seems easier.

Comfort Shows Can Be A Problem

Watching comfort shows is fine for most people, but one counsellor warned that it can become a problem if you always choose the same thing.

Try to only watch your comfort show when you are feeling tired. However, try to do one new thing each week. This could be a new show, book or even a new way home. Your favourite show won't go anywhere!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal to watch the same show?

Yes it is! Research suggests that watching familiar shows can help reduce feelings of loneliness and can help you relax.

Can it help reduce stress?

It can help you to slow down as you aren't using much brain power to understand the familiar story. However if you are feeling stressed and it feels constant then speak to a professional.

Why does a new episode not help?

Because a new episode means you have new story lines to follow. Whereas with a re-run you aren't using any brain power.

Should I be worried about watching a lot?

Generally no. However if it is stopping you from trying new things or seeing real people then have another look.

Conclusion

Although it may seem like you are wasting your time, it is a form of comfort. It can provide you with some company and a small boost.

Enjoy your old favourite. Let me know in the comments which show you always go back to!

[Note: Social Surrogacy Study (2009) by Jaye L. Derrick, Shira Gabriel and Kurt Hugenberg in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology. Derrick, J. (2013). Energized by Television: Familiar Fictional Worlds Restore Self-Control. Social Psychological and Personality Science, 4(3), 299-307. Summary (2012) by University at Buffalo. "Favorite TV Reruns May Have Restorative Powers". Goldfarb, A. (2022). Why Rewatching Your Favorite TV Show Is Good for You. TIME. Quoted Shira Gabriel, psychology professor at the University at Buffalo who studies how TV shows affect our sense of belonging. Mental effort and avoiding new choices quoted from Hello! Magazine. Psychology says you're not boring if you constantly rewatch the same TV shows]