It’s a lazy Sunday afternoon. Spring is on the verge of arrival but winters have not subsided yet. Along with a cup of hot coffee you’re sitting in your bed wrapped in a blanket watching a F.R.I.E.N.D.S. episode for the 100th time. “The FICA guys took all my money, everyone I know is either getting married or getting pregnant or getting promoted and I am getting coffee. And it's not even for me! So, if that sounds like I’m okay, then tell them I’m okay,” goes the annoyed Rachel who thinks everything in her life is messed up and knowing the dialogue by heart, you speak along with her. There you find your comfort as you relate with Rachel.
How many times do you find yourself rewatching TV shows? I do it all the time. My meals always go hand in hand with Chandler's jokes or Indravadan Sarabhai’s sarcasms and Maya’s witty comebacks or sometimes Jake Peralta’s ‘Cool cool cool cool…’ There are some tough days when the only thing that gives me solace is Sheldon Cooper’s ‘There There’.
But why does rewatching feel so comforting while there are enormous shows and movies available online to watch? To know the reason behind it, OnlyMyHealth interacted with Sargun Bedi, Counselling Psychologist, Lucid Mind, Ghaziabad.
Comforting
While answering the question that why is rewatching shows comforting, Bedi said, “People with anxiety often find comfort in rewatching shows as it provides a sense of predictability and familiarity. When anxiety is high, having a known storyline and characters can be reassuring because there are no unexpected surprises or unknown outcomes. Anxious individuals immerse in the fictional world to sometimes escape the real-life stressors. Rewatching a series allows individuals to reconnect with these characters and the emotions associated with them.” Adding more to it, she said, “Anxiety often involves a sense of loss of control. By rewatching a series, individuals can regain a sense of control over their environment and their experiences, which can be calming.”
Also read: 10 Movie And TV Characters That Accurately Portray Mental Illnesses
Mere-exposure Effect
It is a psychological phenomenon where people tend to develop a preference for things merely because they are familiar with them. When asked how mere-exposure effect is linked to rewatching, Bedi said, “It can be linked to rewatching TV shows in several ways as it increases familiarity with the content, providing a sense of security and predictability. Rewatching allows them to re-experience the emotional moments and deepen their attachment to the characters and narratives, fostering a sense of emotional familiarity and comfort, “ adding, “Also, provides a sense of control over choosing when and what to watch.”
Coping Mechanism
According to Bedi, rewatching TV shows can be considered as a form of coping mechanism as it helps anxious individuals to manage stress, emotions, and challenging situations. “Though temporary in nature, individuals can shift their focus away from external pressures, allowing for a mental break and stress relief. Rewatching a beloved TV show can trigger positive emotions, providing a means of emotional regulation. This can be particularly helpful for individuals seeking comfort and a positive emotional experience.”
Sense Of Nostalgia
A sense of nostalgia makes way for a smirk reminding you of fond memories. Rewatching the same show can generate nostalgia. According to the American Psychological Institute, nostalgia can benefit our mental health by affirming social belonging and alleviating loneliness. It states, “When we revisit happy memories, our brains release feel-good chemicals like dopamine, giving us a natural high. This boost in mood can help reduce stress and anxiety, making us feel more content and satisfied with our lives.”
Linking nostalgia with rewatching shows, Bedi said, "The repetition of characters, settings, and storylines can evoke memories and emotions from the past, contributing to the overall nostalgic experience.”