In today’s age of streaming, people have access to hundreds of shows on demand, which has been revolutionary for TV viewers. Despite the variety available to them many people choose instead to re-watch the same few shows repeatedly. People call this favorite show their “comfort show.” Though this may seem strange there are several reasons people prefer their comfort shows.
A cozy living room with TV. Photo by Home Decor Interiors
Benefits of Your Comfort Show
A comfort show provides familiarity and consistency that isn’t found in our everyday lives. Even if you’ve seen the show so many times that you know what line comes next it provides comfort. This can make watching your comfort show like reliving old memories with close friends or family. This makes watching your favorite show feel near a meaningful relationship in your life.
Re-watching the same show can have other benefits too! Often there are background gags and foreshadowing that are missed on the first watch of a show. Continuous viewing of the same show provides the viewer with full insight to the writer’s efforts. This typically leads to a greater appreciation of the show.
Benefits of Variety
Despite the benefits of having a comfort show, there’s a benefit to having variety as well. After all there’s a lot of media out there to consume. Consuming a variety of media leaves you with more to laugh at. This can give a broader level of conversation about the shows you enjoy.
Watching a variety of shows also gives insight on references made in-between shows. Without watching the other media that’s being referenced, you may be missing out on certain jokes. Similarly tropes, a common theme in TV, are more easily recognized the more shows that you enjoy.
Ultimately It’s Your Preference
Whether you’d like to watch the same show 100 times, or 100 shows once depends on what you enjoy. Perhaps you even enjoy a consistent comfort show while consuming a variety of TV on the side. Whatever the case may be, what’s important is that you enjoy your TV! After all, it was created with your enjoyment in mind.