5 Delightful Reasons To Rewatch Your Favourite Comfort TV Shows

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5 Delightful Reasons To Rewatch Your Favourite Comfort TV Shows" Title Imagine. In the background we see awoman relaxing on the sofa at home, watching tv and enjoying coffee

Hello Sweet Friends:

Do you have a go-to comfort tv show(s) that you replay over and over again? Yea, me too!

But did you know why you keep revisiting that show?

Is it self-care? Maybe stress relief? Perhaps it’s a feeling of nostalgia?

How about all that and more? Your favourite cozy shows offer far more than hilarious, predictable plot lines. The benefits can be pretty darn powerful.

So hit pause (because we both know Netflix is on in the background) or tune out for just a moment. We’re about to dive into why rewatching old favourites is absolutely a valid and pretty darn wonderful form of self-care.

Ok, I Confess, I Didn’t Hit Pause

Friends, the ultimate comfort tv show, is ready to stream. On the table is a bowl of snacks and a magazine.

As we speak, Friends is streaming in the background. Ross is playing Celebrate Good Times horribly on the bag pipes and Phoebe is “singing” along (and no, she’s not singing the lyrics). If you’ve never seen this scene, watch it right now. I’ll wait. You need this laugh, trust me.

I felt inspired to revisit Phoebe, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Joey and Ross after the awesome Friends Reunion. Nostalgia at it’s finest! If I’m being honest, Reunion or not, I would have re-watched it eventually. Friends is one of my comfort shows.

Most of us have a comfort show! Or two, or seven…

Personally, I love to “Pivot!” with Friends. I regularly obsess over coffee with the Gilmore Girls (even though I hate coffee). I can imitate Alexis’ “Ew David” with a finesse that, in my opinion, is totally brag worthy (Schitt’s Creek). And when I need to feel uplifted, Doctor Tom from Being Erica is my bestie… comfort tv is just that, comforting.

And there’s a wonderful reason for that.

What Makes Your Comfort TV Shows So Special

Someone sits with their feet up on the table and Netflix loading in the background

1. A Perfect Moment of Nostalgia

Slow down, relax and enjoy the good stuff. And by that I obviously mean chocolate. Just kidding, it’s nostalgia time honey! Although, bust out some chocolate too. That’s just good living.

Your comfort tv shows are like a trip down memory lane. And the familiarity really helps you relax. But don’t just listen to me, let’s ask the actual professionals.

Dr. Krystine Batcho, a professor of psychology at LeMoyne College and a licensed psychologist, has this to say about your comfort show habits:

“When people are stressed, or anxious, or feeling out of control, nostalgia helps calm them down. It’s comforting. It’s analogous to a hug from your mom or dad or being cuddled. It’s harkening back to what we might, even erroneously, perceive as a simpler time in our life with fewer responsibilities and obligations and fewer worries” (source)

It’s amazing how your favourite show can really take you back in time. Revive old memories. Revitalize long forgotten feelings. It’s nice to hit play and enjoy the memories.

Related: The 15 Best Ways To Enjoy A Self-Care Sunday

2. Restore Your Energy

Profile of a man lounging on a light colored couch watching a video on his phone and holding a gray cat.

Hands up if you feel drained after a hard day. Are they up? Same. Ok, not really, because I’m typing… but they are in my imagination and that totally counts!

Enter comfort television baby!

It takes a lot of self-control to handle difficult customers, tight deadlines, tough conversations with loved ones… if you’ve had a particularly draining day, week or month, you might not want to invest in a new show. The plot is a mystery. You have no idea if you’ll even like it. And, hey, it might even be stressful when all you really want is comfort.

But you know what show(s) don’t take a lot of energy and will never veer into a surprisingly stressful direction? Your comfort show(s)!

According to Dr. Elizabeth Cohen, associate professor at West Virginia University with a focus in media psychology:

“There’s a lot of comfort in knowing when something’s going to happen. You don’t have to exert a lot of cognitive energy, so it doesn’t feel taxing.”

A woman watching hockey, throwing her hands in the air as she celebrates her team's win

Why does that matter?

Dr. Jaye L Derrick, associate professor of social psychology at the University of Houston, found this in her 2013 Research Paper:

“Rewatching an old show doesn’t require any self-control because you know how it’s going to play out but you can still get all of the interest and feeling of connection from watching it.” (source)

Now that’s what I call having your cake and eating it too! Because a good show really is like your favourite snack. Familiar, sure, but energizing and enjoyable all the same.

Related: 9 Super Gentle Additions To Your Self-Care Routine

3. Feel More Connected

A group of young ladies on the sofa watching comfort shows with snacks

You know when you excitedly sit down with a friend to watch a show you adore? One they’ve never seen before. And you sort of watch them for their reactions and laugh together as you vicariously re-experience things for the first time through them. Not to mention discussing (in great detail) all of the fun plot points? It can’t be just me! (Like really, it can’t! Right?!)

Oh the beautiful magic of bonding!

Even if you’re feeling lonely, comfort tv shows can give you a boost.

Dr. Batcho, who shared that our cozy shows remind us of simpler times, says that comfort shows “bring back memories and feelings of the friends you had back then and the fun times you had together.” (source)

The parasocial relationships you build with fictional characters can also provide a sense of connection. And there’s a comfort in watching those characters navigate stressful events that mirror your own life experience. And ultimately come out ok. Talk about reassuring! (source)

4. Create a Sense of Self-Security

A couple cuddling on couch watching their favourite comfort tv show

Your fave chill shows offer far more than simple relaxation. While you’re traveling back in time through the feelings of nostalgia, you’re also revisiting who you were, how much you’ve grown and, ultimately, who you are now. Because, dang, you’ve come so far and you have tons and tons to be proud of.

If you’ve experienced trauma or loss, comfort shows can provide reassurance. Ultimately helping to replenish your sense of security, even if only for a while. (source)

You can even choose your show based on the emotions you want to provoke or process. Chandler’s comic relief, David’s neuroticism, Ted’s toxic yet somehow still uplifting quest for love in How I met your Mother… these plotlines may very well help you process feelings or evoke the emotions you want to feel.

And the one-sided bonds you form with characters can even play a role in the formation of your own identity. Your favourite stories, the ships you adore, the franchises you’re passionate about, they’re part of you. There’s a reason fan culture is so strong. (And a reason I’m in 4 different Sarah J Mass groups on Facebook… #DontJudgeMe). (source)

Related: How To Make ‘Self-Partnered’ Your Awesome New Relationship Status

5. Boost Your Mood

A woman smiling while watching a comfort show on her phone

No surprises, no energy demands, nostalgia, connection and self-security. That’s a beautiful, stress relieving blend, wouldn’t you agree?

Dr. Will Meyerhofer, a New York-based psychotherapist, calls a comfort show binge “an instant — and for the most part healthy — regression […]” (source)

And that, my sweet friend, is just plain good for the soul!

Our friend Dr. Jaye L Derrick agreed that there’s a definite emotional boost to be had:

“[…] just thinking about favourite TV shows was sufficient to make people feel better after a rejection event such as a fight or a period of loneliness. There is an association between favourite narratives and feeling better which doesn’t occur if we’re watching something new.” (source)

So hit replay gorgeous! And feel all of that goodness.

Final Thoughts

Someone holds a tv remove, pointing it at their television. The Marvel Logo is displayed, as if they're ready to enjoy an MCU title

Yes, new shows are wonderful! And, when the mood is right, so incredibly fun and exciting to dive into (I’m looking at you Loki!) But there’s a reason you call your favourite series your comfort shows. No matter how many years go by, or how many times you revisit, they make you feel good.

So grab the snacks and hit replay gorgeous! Let’s get comfy!

What are your go-to comfort tv shows? Let’s build a cozy list together in the comments.

Health and love,

sara-signature

Thought of the day: It’s ok to seek comfort. You deserve to unplug and relax.

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Sara | Ms. Health-Esteem

Sara Flanagan is a wellness writer and the creator of www.mshealthesteem.com, where she shares her story of being diagnosed with Graves Disease, a chronic autoimmune disease, and empowering herself to do everything she can to thrive in spite of her diagnosis. She writes articles on self-love, acceptance, wellness and nutrition. Join the Health-Esteem Family today and share in the journey.

20 Comments

  1. Reply

    Claudia

    July 19, 2021

    I love to rewatch my favorite movies and TV shows. I always feel so recharged afterward.

  2. Reply

    Brianne

    July 19, 2021

    I love the rush of nostalgia I get when I watch my favorite shows. I read somewhere that watching our favorite shows actually releases dopamine.

  3. Reply

    Heather

    July 19, 2021

    I have a few shows that I watch all the time. If they make me smile, why not?!

  4. Reply

    Lizzy

    July 19, 2021

    These are fantastic reasons to rewatch your favorite comfort shows! I have anxiety and it’s very common for me to rewatch Friends and The Office to alleviate that anxiety.

  5. Reply

    Ramil Hinolan

    July 20, 2021

    I am not really a fan of TV shows. But, when I have the time, I want to dig on talk shows, especially if the host is engaging and totally funny.

  6. Reply

    Dr. Elise Ho

    July 20, 2021

    LOL -I am watching Hulu not Netflix. I do find certain shows comforting. The main reason being that it is a feel good show and it is nice to feel good.

  7. Reply

    crisshex88

    July 20, 2021

    You fall perfectly because it’s not just what I’m doing, but what I do every summer!

  8. Reply

    Grasyah [Of Coffee and Crackers]

    July 20, 2021

    it is really de-stressing watching again and again your fave movie or series!

  9. Reply

    Solace by Rhea

    July 20, 2021

    I just re watched Gilmore girls and it feels nostalgic. I’m a happy soul to see Rory gilmore again

  10. Reply

    Ivan Jose

    July 20, 2021

    Oh, I do love rewatching my favorite tv shows and movies. I still find them amusing even if I knew the story very well.

  11. Reply

    Midwife360

    July 20, 2021

    This is a great idea. I love a select few series that I would re watch time and time again. One of them being criminal minds and my guilty pleasure, pretty little liars.

  12. Reply

    Nyxinked

    July 20, 2021

    I’m forever rewatching comfort shows. When I’m feeling frustrated or down, they’re my go to!

  13. Reply

    Rose A (@mail4rosey)

    July 20, 2021

    It’s nice to sit out and veg every now and then with the tv. I haven’t seen the Friends reunion yet, but I’d like to

  14. Reply

    emman damian

    July 21, 2021

    My comfort shows / movies give me some relief. A quick escape from reality and also some laughs. It increases my serotonin levels.

  15. Reply

    bye:myself

    July 21, 2021

    I’m watching my favorite shows time and again. I might overdo it sometimes, but as long as it keeps me in a good mood, right?!

  16. Reply

    Kat

    July 21, 2021

    watching my favorite TV shows is one of the ways for me to have a “me time” and it’s helping me escape the stresses and cruelty of the world.

  17. Reply

    myusuftahmidillah

    July 21, 2021

    Lovely idea, hope I can enjoy some nice TV Shows later

  18. Reply

    Anosa - MyrabevLife

    July 21, 2021

    Couldn’t agree more on your points. I love rewatching movies and series from time to time depending on my mood. I still find it amusing and I enjoy repeating some of my favorite episodes.

  19. Reply

    khoingn | The Broad Life

    August 2, 2021

    Haha I haven’t thought of so many benefits from watching TV shows. As I’m in social-distancing, it’s now the great time to get those benefits.

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Hiya! I’m Sara

I’m a wellness writer, Graves Disease thriver and self-love advocate.

And I’m passionate about empowering you to prioritize self-care and love yourself fiercely.

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