We’ve all been there: curled up on the couch, scrolling through what seems like an endless list of movies and TV shows on Netflix, only to land back on an old favorite we’ve watched a dozen times.
Why do we do this? Why do we gravitate toward the familiar when we have a buffet of new content at our fingertips?
One explanation is mental security. When life gets overwhelming or stressful, we often seek out what’s comfortable and predictable.
There’s peace in knowing how the story will unfold, which characters will make us laugh, and the happy ending that awaits us.
Nostalgia’s Role
Nostalgia plays a big part in this cycle of rewatching old comfort shows, too.
It’s not just about reliving fond memories but also about connecting with a time or place where we felt secure or joyful.
The laughter and light-heartedness of a sitcom might remind us of college dorm-room hangouts or cozy family evenings. So, in a sense, we’re trying to recapture those moments, even if only briefly, through the medium of television.
From A Mental Health Perspective
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When looking at it through the lens of mental health, rewatching the same shows can also serve as a coping mechanism. Familiar media content is able to give us a sense of belonging and social interaction, even when we are alone.
But, on the flip side, leaning too heavily on the comfort of reruns can become problematic if it replaces authentic human interaction or prevents us from stepping out of our comfort zones.
Escaping The Decision Fatigue
It’s also important to keep in mind that every day, we make hundreds of decisions– from the mundane to the critical.
So, when it comes to leisure activities, the last thing we want is to expend more mental energy deciding what to watch.
That’s why choosing a tried-and-true show (for me, it’s Gilmore Girls) can relieve us from that decision fatigue and let us get straight to the unwinding part.
Watching Comfort Shows: Is It Good Or Bad?
As with many things in life, moderation is key. Rewatching old favorites can be comforting and beneficial to mental well-being, but only if you balance it with other forms of engagement and relaxation.
That’s why it’s best to consider it as one of the tools in your emotional wellness toolbox. It’s not the only one, but it sure is a handy one to have.
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