When you’re bored in your free time, what is one way that you can pass the time? For many people, watching their favorite shows on television is the go-to activity. But why is this so popular? It’s for more reasons than just boredom. Many people find a sense of psychological comfort in their favorite shows and characters; television goes beyond the surface level of simple need for entertainment.
I’m sure everyone at one point has found a show and fallen in love with the storyline and characters. Having a go-to show to watch goes deeper than just liking the story. Many people find a role model in their favorite characters, or possibly they see a part of themself in the character and resonate with them. Whatever the reason may be, this is something that everyone can say they have related to. Having a character who has realistic aspects to them makes people relate to the show, finding a sense of comfort in the story.
Loving a show can lead to a few different feelings. When we’re bored or feeling slightly unsatisfied with our own personal life, television gives us an escape. If one is feeling dissatisfaction, finding a show that fills that void creates a deep sense of comfort that is not found very often. This can also lead to binge-watching, which many people can say they are guilty of doing. But binge watching isn’t just because of boredom; there is a science behind it. When we binge-watch shows we love, it taps into our brains to release dopamine. Dopamine is connected to positive emotions and addictive behaviors. “One more episode, then I’ll go to bed,” some may say; then next thing you know, it’s light outside. Binge-watching is not a positive behavior. It can affect the ability to do things that need to be done, such as chores or work. And it has a serious effect on attention spans. If one doesn’t get that dopamine release while watching a show, they will typically be onto the next show, still trying to find that feeling.
While binge-watching definitely has its negatives, it’s not something to be ashamed of; many people are guilty of it. Lauren Kacerik and Lucas Bailey both admitted to binge-watching their favorite shows. Kacerik stated that she would 100% rather binge-watch than watch a show weekly. Similarly, Bailey said, “Binge watch for sure,” in reference to being asked the same question. People who binge-watch their shows are also more likely to rewatch it later on. Why is this? To begin, scientifically, the more we are exposed to something, the more we like it. This is a result of perceptual fluency, which means being able to process something easily, the more you witness it. In short, it means that watching a new show requires less attention than watching a new show because you already know what’s going to happen.
As discussed prior, binge watching relates to a dopamine rush, but now let’s talk about the psychological reasons for why one loves the shows they do. The obvious reasons are the plot and finding comfort in a character or storyline. However, there are other scientific reasons for why people love specific shows. Television helps improve our moods. After a long day, the sense of comfort one finds in knowing they can come home and unwind to their favorite show helps to calm oneself down. Along with mood improvement, viewers love relatable characters. Some of the most successful television shows showcase characters that have lots of character development and depth. The ups and downs of a character can gain loyalty from viewers. It is no surprise that some people will watch a show specifically for one character.
Aside from characters, the story itself can be the most important part of a show. People want shows with a message. Too many shows that fail are a result of a lackluster plotline and no message to the audience. Viewers want a show to help them escape reality and leave them with a takeaway they can apply to their own lives. Kacerik said her favorite show is Grace and Frankie because it makes her laugh, but beyond the laughter, there is a message to the viewers. “Women can overcome anything. We’re strong, and we can do anything we set our minds to,” she stated when discussing the takeaway from the show.
No matter what your reason is for watching your favorite television show, it is unarguably one of the most popular ways to cure boredom. So, the next time you have nothing to do, sit down, relax, put on your favorite show, and enjoy it. But don’t forget to look for the deeper meaning hidden in the show; you may just end up loving it even more.
Soures:
https://ucsdguardian.org/2024/10/08/why-we-rewatch-our-favorite-shows/
https://outofmygord.com/2010/01/28/the-psychology-of-entertainment-our-connection-with-tv/
