Binging The Same Shows And Movies? Why Rewatching Is Actually A Good Thing
Do you watch the same movie or TV show over and over? Do you love it so much that you would rather return to the familiar than turn on something new? If so, you’re not alone, and it can actually be good for you.
Personally, I’m a repeat watcher. When the first Black Panther movie came out I watched it an embarrassing number of times. I saw it at least 35 times, in the theater. Let me take that back, it wasn’t embarrassing. I felt accomplished. There are also other movies and TV shows that I’ve been fanatical about. The Twilight movies, The Fault in Our Stars, Divergent, and most recently several of my favorite Kdramas.
Melissa on the GetUp Crew Show has also jumped in the repeat watcher waters. She’s on her 6th watch of Wicked in theaters. Ramiro, Melissa, Leroy, and I got into a lengthy discussion about rewatching, including how Ramiro is a “one and done” guy when it comes to repeat shows and movies. Here’s our conversation on YouTube about it.
Well, to show that there isn’t anything wrong with those of us who love a good rewatch, apparently there’s some science behind it. Psychology Today has great article on it called Play and Repeat: Why We Watch the Same Shows Over and Over. it’s about the benefits of bingeing. You can check out the entire article, but here’s what they highlight as some of the key points.
- Rewatching a movie, series or single episode enhances our well-being.
- Repeated viewing fulfills emotional needs, gives us comfort, provides a sense of control over our lives, and connects us with our past.
- Familiar shows provide an appealing mix of relaxation and stimulation, and an unexpected combination of old and new.
For me, some of the benefits resonate with me more than others. For one, you know what you’re getting. you know that you’re getting a satisfying ending. I totally relate to that because especially with the Kdramas I watch, I need to know if there’s a happy ending or not. I often find myself Googling the show and adding “happy ending” to check before I start. I refuse to get invested in a show or movie that’s going to leave me distraught at the end. And when I find out, I’m willing to watch it again and again to get that feeling for a second, third, even fourth time.
The other benefit I like, that I know many people see as a negative, is that a rewatch requires the least amount of effort. It’s entertainment that allows us to shut off our brains for a little while and just relax.
The one benefit that I really connect to is the comfort a good rewatch brings. Seriously, watching a favorite show or movie feels like a hug. You get to revisit happy moments, heartwarming episodes, and the characters you’ve grown to love. It really is comforting.
So the next time someone wants to criticize you about the 35th time you’ve watched your favorite show, or movie, you can come back to the fact that science has your back. Enjoy the binge!
