Tag: COVID-19 binge watching

Binge watching in COVID-19

I’m almost bored with watching TV. Almost.

I enjoy the comfort of retreating to a world I know through TV. Especially when the real world is riddled with confusion and stress.

But maybe I’ve binged too much. You know you’ve watched the same show too many times when…

  1. You recognize when a character wears the same clothes.
  2. You know which plots don’t make sense because they don’t match up with previous episodes.
  3. You quote the show regularly.
  4. You relate real-life situations to show plots, even mentioning them to people as if they happened to your friends.
  5. Your Instagram Explore tab is related to the show you’re binging, even showing you pictures from episodes you just watched or are about to watch.
  6. You pass any BuzzFeed quiz about the show with ease.
  7. You’ve thought about having a show-themed party because you know exactly what to serve and how to decorate.
  8. You know the season and episode number without having to look it up.
  9. You can match characters’ hairstyles to a corresponding season.
  10. You look up episodes on IMDb to catch goofs…and sometimes catch ones they didn’t.

I’m fine with my binge watching. My friends are doing the same…we Snapchat and know the season they’re on. So at least I’m not alone.

Comfort TV in the age of quarantine and COVID-19

I’m on my second watch of “Gilmore Girls” this year. 

Now of course I love the show. But do I need to watch it again? Probably not. 

I’m not watching it because there’s a lack of TV. In fact, like most people, it feels impossible to keep up with the new shows and seasons these days. Especially with all the new streaming networks. 

Quibi may have inadvertently picked the worst time to come out given the current state of the world and its original intentions, but now we also have Peacock. 

I have four streaming services at the moment, but I hate to get another one considering I usually rotate between one or two for a month and then switch around. Though Peacock has a free version, which I appreciate.

I could watch new shows. I have the time. But given the political, racial and medical tension these days, I need a break. 

This year has been a huge return to comfort TV for me. I don’t want the stress of a new show. I want the familiarity of shows I’ve seen multiple times to escape the current state of the world. 

So if you’re in need of some comfort TV, here are my picks:

That 70s Show

For the fashion alone, this show is great. It takes you back to a time when loud prints, big hair and bell bottoms were way cool.

Plus, for a daily life show, they spend a lot of time chilling in the basement. Just like the rest of us right now it seems.

Frasier

When you’re biggest problem is running out of sherry or forgetting to hit the cough button, you’re doing OK.

This lovable comedy reminds us of a simpler time, and a time when dating was (somewhat) easier. Hey, at least it was in person.

Gilmore Girls

Talk fast. Feel better.

This show is my favorite. I love the relationship between Lorelai and Rory, and I always catch new references every time I watch.

Because I’ve seen this show so many times, it creates a sense of calm. I’m sure everyone has this type of show.

Boy Meets World

Binge-watching this show made me realize all the inconsistencies of it. Every character skips a grade or two, and Cory and Topanga break up and get back together way more times than I remember.

But again, simpler times. And we could all use a lesson in kindness from the incomparable Mr. Feeny.

I would also add “Friends” to the list, but alas, it’s on HBO Max now. Another streaming network!