Have you ever rewatched a TV show or movie that you’ve watched before? If you have, you’re not alone. I’ve done it plenty of times myself, but why do we do this, and why is it so common?
A lot of shows that people tend to rewatch are the classics, sitcoms like Friends or The Office. There’s got to be a sense of comfort with these shows. I don’t really see it with those in particular, I know, I don’t like The Office, but I definitely know this feeling. I can’t count the amount of times I’ve rewatched the movie I, Tonya or That 70s Show, but I just think that they’re so good. But it’s still difficult to understand why we watch the same things even though there are so many new things on TV.
Most people will say that they don’t like the new shows and movies that are coming out currently. Though that’s a matter of opinion, I somewhat have to agree. Streaming services do release those occasional amazing shows, like The Queen’s Gambit (see my last article for that one!), The Crown, and Euphoria, but I don’t really remember the last show I watched on cable TV that I genuinely enjoyed.
The thing about rewatching old things is that so many shows feel timeless. They can always connect back to the viewer somehow, and it’s so cool to see that in an older show. I think that this is similar with music too, because the amount of older songs that still have meaning today is countless. TV shows and movies are so easy for people to relate to, and sometimes it’s hard to actually watch a new show, at least that’s the case for me. I hate trying to find a new show to watch, so instead of endlessly scrolling through Netflix, why not just watch a few episodes of Glee?
Sure, I love the occasional movie or TV show recommendation, but I also really like going back and watching the same things tens of times just to remember how I felt when I first watched it. I think it’s more common for me to rewatch TV shows over movies, just because there’s such a big investment in starting a new series for the first time. With movies, it’s 2 hours and then you’re done, no commitment. Maybe I’m the only one who thinks like this, but in my brain it all makes sense.
My friends and I will watch new movies together because it’s easy, it’s as simple as that. Sitting down to watch a TV show knowing that when it’s done there’s so much more to get through can be challenging. It takes a while to finish a show depending on how long it is, regardless of whether or not you binge it. I know people enjoy finding new shows that have hour long episodes and multiple seasons, but I just don’t think that’s exciting. Limited series shows are better, because they’re done quicker and there’s less commitment.
At the end of the day, if you were to ask me to watch a show with more than 5 seasons, the answer will probably be no. I understand the appeal, but for me it just doesn’t totally work. Rewatching shows and movies is normal, there are so many good shows out there that deserve a second (or tenth) watch, so if you have a show like that in mind, go watch it!