I’ve spent what must amount to hundreds of hours binge-watching reruns of "The Big Bang Theory".
At this point, it’s more than just background noise, it's a ritual of sorts. Although, I’ll admit I sometimes find myself frustrated with the lack of character development (Leonard, I’m looking at you; stand up for yourself already).
Yet, I keep coming back, and if you’re like me, choosing to watch the same shows over and over, especially during stressful times, you’re not alone. There’s a comforting psychology behind this habit, and it’s deeply rooted in how our brains are wired.
Why we rewatch old TV shows - the power of familiarity
At its core, rewatching old TV shows taps into our brain’s love for familiarity.
According to research, our central nervous system prefers familiarity, consistency, and predictability because it helps us feel safe.
Rewatching a beloved series provides just that; it's like coming home to a warm, cosy blanket. You know the characters, the jokes, the twists, and, most importantly, the ending. In a world full of chaos and uncertainty, this predictability is a balm for the soul.
This phenomenon ties into something called the mere exposure effect, which suggests that the more we’re exposed to something, the more we tend to like it.
Think about how a song you disliked at first grows on you after hearing it repeatedly. The same logic applies to TV shows. Repetition creates comfort, and comfort creates connection.
Nostalgia: a window to our past
One of the most profound reasons we rewatch old favourites is the nostalgia factor. Watching shows from our past can transport us to a simpler time, evoking memories of who we were and what life was like when we first watched them.
According to an online sample from "Real Simple", Dr Patricia Dixon, a clinical psychologist, adds that watching an old TV episode can link us with beloved events from our lives, allowing us to feel anchored, especially when we're lost or disconnected.
For instance, watching "Friends" might remind you of high school nights spent laughing with friends, or "The Office" may take you back to those early days of adulthood when you were figuring out life.
This connection to the past can be both comforting and affirming, reminding us of how far we’ve come while giving us a sense of continuity.
Finding new insights into old favourites
One of the magical aspects of rewatching TV shows is how we often notice new things: a detail in the background, a subtle joke, or a character’s hidden motivation.
This is because, when watching, we’re no longer focused on the storyline or plot twists. Instead, our brains can dedicate attention to subtleties we missed the first time. It’s almost like rediscovering something new within the familiar.
This hyper-attentiveness can also lead to fresh perspectives. For example, in watching "The Big Bang Theory", I’ve noticed how the characters reflect societal changes over time.
It’s fascinating to see how humour, relationships, and cultural norms evolve and how much I’ve changed as well.
A mental break for a busy brain
Modern life can feel like an endless to-do list, and our brains are constantly overloaded with decisions, tasks, and information.
Watching a new show or movie often requires focus, concentration, and emotional investment. But rewatching a familiar favourite? That’s a cognitive vacation.
Familiar shows require less cognitive effort, psychologists specialising in media consumption say you can relax without needing to concentrate intensely, allowing you to escape into a predictable narrative.
This mental break is especially valuable during times of stress or exhaustion, providing a safe space where we can recharge.
Rewatching helps avoid decision fatigue
We’ve all been there: scrolling endlessly through streaming platforms, trying to decide what to watch. With so many options available, the decision-making process can quickly become overwhelming.
This phenomenon, called decision fatigue, occurs when the sheer number of choices drains our mental energy.
In these moments, returning to an old favourite is an easy solution. It eliminates the stress of deciding while offering the comfort of a story we already know and love. This simplicity helps conserve our mental resources for other tasks.
The emotional connection: feeling less alone
Perhaps one of the most important reasons we rewatch old shows is the emotional connection we’ve built with the characters. Over time, these fictional personalities can feel like old friends.
A 2009 study published in the "Journal of Experimental Social Psychology" found that rewatching favourite TV shows can reduce feelings of loneliness and foster a sense of belonging.
The familiarity of these characters, their quirks, and their storylines create a sense of relatability. Whether it’s Sheldon’s eccentricities or Penny’s relatable struggles, we often see parts of ourselves reflected in them.
This connection can feel deeply reassuring, especially during times when we’re craving comfort and companionship.
Why it’s okay to hit play again (and again)
Rewatching old TV shows isn’t just a guilty pleasure, it's a form of self-care. It’s a way to ground ourselves in familiarity, embrace nostalgia, and give our overworked brains a much-needed break.