You open Netflix. The first thing you see is the catalogue filled with all the new series that just came out. You scroll through all those names, reading their descriptions, but something’s wrong: nothing catches your attention. Now, all you want to do is watch something familiar, so you can relax and enjoy the moment.
That’s an easy situation to relate to. But why do we always want to sit and watch the same old series that we’re already familiar with?
The nostalgia effect
It’s no surprise that Friends, Gilmore Girls, Brooklyn Nine- Nine and The Office, for example, are shows that make you feel hugged. They have that heart-warming, familiar feeling of an embrace, and you can watch them with nothing to worry about. Part of that comfort comes from nostalgia.
Nostalgia is a bittersweet (but mostly sour) feeling of missing places, people and past moments, idealizing the idea of things wecan’t recover. But nostalgia can also mean returning to something that once brought us comfort. We are shaped by past events, things we love and personal experiences – as if they created a mosaic of who we are at the end of the day. Those comfort series are a huge piece of that mosaic.
When we love a series, it becomes a part of us that will never go away. When we are sad, bored or have nothing else to do, we resort to that familiar comfort, because, above all, remembering is reliving. And reliving something so good brings comfort, joy, and, most of all, a sense of belonging.
This may also explain why nostalgia becomes especially appealing during difficult times, when we seek comfort, warmth and affection. In a world where our lives are constantly changing, rewatching the same series can feel like returning to home, somehow. That’s why we run to old songs, films, books – and shows. We already know what is going to happen and take comfort in it.
Who has never felt that sadness that comes with thinking “If I could press play for the first time again?” I’m sorry to tell you, but nostalgia caught you. But it’s not a bad thing; it just brings back a good time in your life and a specific kind of happiness. The real problem is when we don’t give new series a second chance, and get stuck in a box where new things are not welcome.
We grew up with the characters
Most of the series that we feel nostalgic about have more than one or two seasons, which means the characters and actors grew up with them — and so did we.
Over time, this builds a connection between the audience and the production, not only through the fictional characters but also through the actual cast and crew. Maybe unconsciously, these shows become intertwined with our own memories and nostalgia.
Coincidentally, a character might be going through a life event exactly like the one you are experiencing, at exactly your age. Maybe you’ll use that character as a reference: “What would Rachel Green do right now?”
And just like that we help the industry keep the magic of comfort series and movies alive.
Sometimes the new can be scary
The psychologist and published researcher, Tanya Percy Vasunia, said in Imperium Publication; “When you know what’s going to happen, it’s extremely relaxing. Using your favorite TV shows as a means of escaping is an unwinding exercise because these characters are close to you.”
When a new show comes along, you don’t have the same guarantee that you’ll feel relaxed, especially since we watch series mainly to relax and feel good. The new comes with uncertainty – you don’t know if you’ll like the characters, the plot or the context…and with that, we end up not watching new things because we’re scared that we will not find that same comfort. So, why risk not liking something when we can just not risk anything at all?
give new productons a second chance
Off Campus and The Pitt are some of the newest shows that have been well received by the public. People allowed themselves to step out of their comfort zones and proved that it isn’t always a bad idea to try new things. Even if an unfamiliar production does not immediately feel as comforting, giving it a chance might be worth it. After all, who can say whether it could become your new comfort series.
Next time you open Netflix and see the catalogue filled with all the new series that just came out, scroll through all those names, read their descriptions and try to step out of your comfort zone. That could be a healthy and fun thing to experience.
After all, we watch the same titles to feel comfortable and go back to when that love started. But why not allow a new love to grow?
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The article above was edited by Júlia Batista.
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