To say I thrive on routine would be an understatement. Each morning begins with a 30-minute walk, or if I’m feeling particularly energetic, a run. Lunchtime features the same dish: ramen topped with a soft-boiled egg. Dinner is reliably served at 6:30 PM, traffic be damned. But my true obsession? My nightly ritual of rewatching beloved TV shows.
From “Friends” and “Futurama” to “The Great British Bake Off” and “The Office,” I find comfort in tuning into these familiar series. It turns out I’m not alone in this; countless others are revisiting classic dramas and comedies. The appeal lies in their comforting familiarity—much like slipping into your favorite pair of sneakers or pajamas.
As Daniel D’Addario, chief TV critic at Variety, puts it, “Technology has caught up with our interests. You don’t have to wait for reruns or buy DVD sets anymore; these shows are just a click away. The comfort of familiarity is what draws people in. You can relax and let the show wash over you.” Claire Zulkey, a freelance writer based in Chicago, echoes this sentiment: “There’s something soothing about knowing you won’t miss crucial plot points while grabbing a snack or dozing off.”
Reruns are not a new phenomenon. I fondly recall watching “Gilligan’s Island” or my mother’s favorite, “I Love Lucy,” as a child. Back then, we stumbled upon these shows while flipping through channels, simply stopping because a classic was airing. Nowadays, our choices are more intentional, driven by personal preferences and the preciousness of our time.
Tom Green, a mortgage underwriter from New Jersey, explains, “I used to enjoy discovering new shows, but now my time is limited. I occasionally try new programming, but I often find myself uninterested. I’d rather watch a movie—two hours and done.” Time constraints are just one reason many opt for reruns. As Marjorie, a former TV critic, notes, “Old shows feel less risky. You know what you’re getting emotionally, especially with formulaic series that require less investment.”
I’ve never pondered why I gravitate towards rewatching shows; I simply accepted my routine as a sign of being set in my ways. However, Marjorie’s insight resonates with me. Starting a new series demands time and focus, both of which I often lack after 8 PM. By the end of the day, I crave something that comforts me—a show that elicits laughter or soothes my spirit. Familiar programs provide that reassurance.
Writer David Renshaw from BBC Culture states, “Many people return to their favorite shows because the thought of starting something new may feel stressful. Why risk disappointment when a guaranteed favorite is waiting?” The familiarity of these shows creates a restorative atmosphere that feels zen-like. The characters become extensions of my own life, part of my quirky family.
Another significant aspect of this rewatching trend is the overwhelming amount of choices available. Many evenings, I find myself paralyzed by the sheer volume of content. Faced with so many options, I often revert to the familiar, or occasionally indulge in an animal documentary—my guilty pleasure. This phenomenon is echoed in the psychological concept known as the “paradox of choice,” which suggests that an abundance of options can hinder decision-making, as explained by John Jurgensen in a Wall Street Journal article.
Derek Kompare, a media studies professor and author of “Rerun Nation,” adds, “The problem with limitless choice is that it can be daunting.” In the end, the reasons behind our preference for older shows are less significant than the feelings they evoke. If, like me, you find solace in the familiar, embrace it. Grab some popcorn and enjoy the laughter, even if you already know the punchlines.
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In summary, the allure of rewatching old TV shows stems from their comforting familiarity, the low risk of emotional investment, and the overwhelming number of viewing options available today. Embrace the joy of revisiting your favorites—they’re like old friends waiting to welcome you back.