Why does rewatching TV shows and movies bring us comfort?

If you find solace in a Friends rerun ever so often, you’re not alone

No matter how many new series we binge-watch or movie dates we go on, there’s always that one, or a few shows or movies, we find ourselves going back to time and again. In fact, it was something a whole lot of us resorted to during the Coronavirus pandemic. According to a Voxreport, “Netflix said that it had signed up 16 million subscribers instead of the 7 million it had planned on getting [in 2020]— and that all 9 million of the extra subscribers showed up in March when countries around the world told their citizens to stay home.” 

An Instagram poll conducted by us about why people find themselves rewatching video content revealed a mix of the following responses: “They’re comforting, familiar, feel like a safe space, aren’t anxiety-inducing since you know how they end, there’s a sense of control on the storyline, you may relate to the character, feel like a warm hug, evoke nostalgia, and are perfect for background watching while you work because you don’t miss anything important.” We explore what it is about human behaviour that makes us go back to content we’ve seen over and over again, when there’s new media coming our way on the hour, every hour.

What is comfort-watching?

“Comfort-watching refers to the act of watching familiar, comforting television shows, movies, or other forms of entertainment as a means of relaxation, stress relief, and emotional comfort,” explains Dr. Prerna Kohli, clinical psychologist and founder, MindTribe.in. “It typically involves revisiting content that holds sentimental value or evokes positive emotions. It’s often associated with finding solace, nostalgia, and a sense of security in the familiarity of certain stories, characters, or settings.”

Our survey findings confirm all of this, and more. Take Friends, for example. “The characters of Friends have garnered immense adoration and become iconic symbols in popular culture. Viewers feel a sense of emotional attachment to them, following their stories and relationships throughout the series. This makes viewers rewatch the show multiple times,” explains psychologist Yesha Jhaveri Nerurkar. This thought is echoed by Kohli, who cites the show as a great example for comfort-watching. “It is known for its predictable humour, recurring catchphrases, and the enduring friendship dynamics among the main characters. Fans of the show can anticipate the comedic timing and familiar jokes, which elicit a sense of comfort and familiarity.”

Comfort-watching and the pandemic

A quick Google search will reveal that comfort-watching as a concept seems to have become a talking point primarily over the last three years, since we found ourselves being physically disconnected from the world. According to Nielsen, a market leader in measuring audience data and insights, The Office was the most streamed TV series in 2020, clocking 57.1 billion minutes in the US alone, even if the show may be considered fairly problematic today. 

“Amidst the lockdown, individuals grappled with the demands of working from home, navigating restrictions on mobility, coping with grief, and managing heightened levels of stress,” explains Nerurkar. “As a consequence, their cognitive abilities to process additional content may become strained and less effective. During such testing times, instead of adding more to our mental load, we often find solace in revisiting beloved shows we've already experienced.” Kohli touches upon the psychological factors that contributed to this. “The increased prevalence of revisiting old TV series and movies during the lockdown can be attributed to the search for comfort, the emotional regulation provided by nostalgia, the psychological escape and distraction they offer, the social connection and identification they facilitate, and their role in coping with loss or grief.” This pattern isn’t restricted to just the pandemic; when you’ve had a particularly hard day, you’ll rarely find yourself gravitating to a new show, no matter how popular it may be at the time. 

Seeking comfort in the familiar

Watching a show you’ve seen countless times before may seem mindless, but it has a lot to do with your emotional state. “People often go back to old TV series and movies due to the powerful influence of nostalgia, the comfort and familiarity they provide, the escapism and stress relief they offer, the sense of security and order they bring, and their role in emotional regulation,” says Kohli. If you’re feeling physically or mentally drained, an old movie or series doesn’t require you to focus and even serves as a form of escapism. “When we turn to a show we've already watched and know well, the predictable storyline removes the need for active guesswork and the suspense of cliff-hangers,” says Nerurkar. “As the narrative unfolds, we can passively follow along without requiring conscious attention to decipher the plot. This familiarity allows our minds to relax, as we don't have to actively engage in unravelling the story. Plus, it provides a sense of stability and control, offering a reprieve from the unpredictability of real life.”

Going back to old favourites often helps deal with one’s emotional state. “Revisiting old TV series and movies allows individuals to tap into positive memories and emotions associated with those shows, which can help regulate their emotions and provide a temporary escape from the present difficulties. They may remind people of a particular time in their lives, triggering nostalgic feelings and a longing to revisit those memories,” says Kohli. 

Moreover, not everyone chooses to watch the same kind of content. While a group of people may opt to watch a drama series they first found over a decade ago, others may pick ones that make them laugh. “The specific content that brings comfort varies from person to person, as it is deeply personal and subjective. If someone is feeling down or anxious, watching a beloved show or movie that has a positive and uplifting tone can help improve their mood. Similarly, if someone is feeling overwhelmed, they may choose to watch something light-hearted and humorous to bring about laughter and relaxation,” says Kohli. 

Apart from nostalgia, there’s also a certain emotional bond that may develop due to the relatability of certain characters. “The characters and their journeys become more than just entertainment; they become sources of inspiration and hope. We form an emotional bond with these characters, investing in their stories and finding a sense of emotional security in their presence. The familiar and relatable experiences portrayed in the show can evoke a range of emotions, from joy and laughter to empathy and catharsis, deepening our connection and making the show a meaningful part of our lives,” Nerurkar elaborates.

Meanwhile, Kohli talks about developmental nostalgia, which constitutes people correlating the show to the time in their lives when they first watched it, and learning how much they have grown. “This concept refers to revisiting past experiences to gain insights, reconnect with one’s identity, or seek a sense of continuity and coherence across different life stages. Comfort-watching can be a way to reflect on personal growth, reminisce about earlier times, and integrate one’s past and present selves.” No matter why you may choose to do it, we are all for debating whether Ross and Rachel were on a break or not, every single time.

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