Autumn: the season of changing leaves, Halloween, vests, everything pumpkin spice. But there is something else too: the return of live TV. Buried in a world dominated by Netflix and instant streaming, the magic of a television premiere is often overlooked. Kickstarted by the season premieres of such network wonders as Grey’s Anatomy, This is Us, and Saturday Night Live, the time for anxiety-ridden viewing parties is finally among us (see the cast of Scandal live-tweeting an episode below). I will admit, I had forgotten what the thrill of a spoiler-free hour felt like. The squeals, tears, and chills that were sprinkled throughout the highly anticipated return to the screen are an important consequence of the culture in which we are stationed.
Accustomed to only waiting the few seconds between Netflix episodes, the month-long hiatuses create almost physical pain, an aching for more of your favorite stories. This fall, stretch your patience muscles and devote time to watching your television just once a week. Soak up the rationing and relish in the difficult seven days: it is good for us.