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Modern Family, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days and even Grey’s Anatomy - these films and TV shows are just a few of thousands that have brought laughter, joy, and even a tear from time-to-time to viewers across the globe. It is no surprise that we tend to rewatch the same movies and shows consistently on repeat. As avid TV watchers, we have grown close to the characters on the screen, to the point that they became the highlight of our days. While seeing trailers for new films or shows can spark excitement and interest, most people would take the option of watching an old series in a heartbeat. But what drives this preference for familiar favorites over the thrill of an action-packed blockbuster like the upcoming twelfth Fast and Furious movie?
How are you feeling right now?
For the majority of the time, rewatching the same shows are typically based on how we feel in the moment. Our choice of film can reflect underlying emotional and psychological needs. Watching old movies and shows is actually how people respond to situations in their lives. Many people have issues and may find it difficult to communicate with others on what their problems are, and a way to alleviate the stress and anxiety from their world is to simply watch a predictable, entertaining one a few feet away from them, where they know how everything will end up. This can be very reassuring to viewers because it can distract them from their own strife, and comfort shows can also be helpful in being an example of growth, as many of these characters confront their own obstacles and provide valuable insight to difficulties or hardships. For instance, if you came home defeated because you were told that you would never achieve your dreams, you might turn on Full House, and listen to one of Uncle Jesse's pep-talks to keep your head held high. These brief moments of understanding and connection we can have with characters is a secure way in which many cope with our life struggles.
A Case of Nostalgia
Watching an old movie or show can bring back wonderful memories that we crave to relive. So many of our life events and relationships are tied to the films we cherish, and by clicking that remote, it’s like seeing your past through a comforting lens. Thinking about the past can also have its sorrows, and this can be especially true for someone grieving the loss of a loved one. Watching a film that both people prized is a way for people to bring themselves peace of mind and even restore a connection to feel closer to the ones they have lost by finding solace in their shared joys and experiences they once had together.
Stress and Anxiety Reboot
At times of uncertainty in our lives, sitting down and smiling at our beloved films gives us a chance to relax and allow our daily stresses to sail away Moana’s oceans, take a seat at Luke’s diner, or listen to the calming lull of the ovens on the Great British Baking Show . Listening and watching the same stories can spark loads of entertainment, even if it's the fiftieth time seeing the same movie. Nonetheless, it brings back life to the emotions we experienced the first time that we watched these films, and this majorly benefits us psychologically by creating a safe place to remove any anxiety and tension, and to simply live in the moment. Interestingly enough, many people feel more at ease when watching their favorite films because it takes less cognitive effort to pay attention to an entirely new movie with uncertain characters, plots, and overall dynamic. To the contrary, watching old movies and shows requires less mental capacity and creates more room to decompress from the stress of the real world.
What should we take away?
One of the most intimate and enjoyable relationships happens right in front of you. Where a remote and an array of subscriptions can transport you into a world of your own, where your mind has curated lists of movies and shows that can help you process through any emotions you are trying to work out, reconnect with past memories, or to simply sit down with a blanket and pillow and binge your favorite show to reduce your stress and anxiety levels. These are reasons why people are accustomed to pick their all-time favorites rather than new releases - they do so much for our mental health and stability, and in many ways are the best entertainment out there.
Written by: Bardya
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