When I first arrived in London for my MSc, everything was new – the city, the campus, the room I would be calling home for the next year! It was the first time I was leaving my home and family, and it felt like a big, daunting step. The first thing I did when I stepped into my uni accommodation was call home, eager to share my new space. I showed off my room, the view from my window, and all the kitchen facilities. Everything seemed so exciting at that moment.
But as soon as I ended the call, a wave of realisation hit me: no one was around. I was far from home, with no meaningful connections to hold on to in the city, and I felt incredibly alone. It was as if the world had suddenly become a bit too overwhelming.
What did I do? Before even unpacking my bags or setting up my room, I pulled out my laptop and started playing The Big Bang Theory in the background – it felt like a warm hug. It was at that moment that I truly realised how important comfort watching can be.
The Comfort of Repetition
I’ve always tried to be someone who pushes myself to explore uncharted territory and avoid watching the same things over and over. But, like many of us, I always seem to fall into the same trap. Over the years, however, I’ve stopped resisting the urge to return to what makes me happy. Instead, I’ve let myself enjoy the comfort of rewatching.
So, what is it about these shows that keeps us coming back for more? Why do we turn to familiar stories again and again?
To start with, rewatching something feels like we’re giving our brains a little break. As humans, we tend to choose actions that require the least effort. This is why we gravitate towards familiar content that we know we enjoy. For me, Friends has become my lullaby. After a long, exhausting day, when my thoughts are racing and I can’t seem to fall asleep, I turn on an episode of Friends. The predictability of it soothes me, and before I know it, I’m sleeping like a baby.
Repetition, in this sense, taps into something deeply comforting—something we all experienced as children. We know that kids love repetition because it brings them joy, security, and comfort. Whether it's hearing the same bedtime story or playing the same game, repetition helps them feel safe and provides a sense of mastery and reassurance. It’s no different for us as adults. When we rewatch something, we also know what to expect. We’re not only familiar with the plot but also with the emotions that come with it. We know how the episodes will end, and more importantly, we know how we’ll feel when they do. Take The Big Bang Theory, for example. There’s an episode where Sheldon gifts Amy a Valentine’s Day present: a medical form from Caltech, with Amy listed as his emergency contact. Every time I watch it, I feel a warmth in my heart. It’s sweet, funny, and touching—just the way I expect it to be.
And just like how we listen to our favourite songs repeatedly, we feel a certain power in knowing exactly what is going to happen next. When I’m cooking, for instance, I often have The Big Bang Theory playing in the background. I’ve seen it so many times that I can often recite the next line of dialogue before the characters even say it. There’s a little swagger in my step as I continue cooking, feeling like I’m part of the show.
Finally, rewatching familiar shows also brings an element of surprise. Even when we know the big moments, there are always little details we missed the first time around. The subtle interactions and the small gestures that make the characters feel so real. For example, after rewatching BBT countless times, I’ve realised that I identify more with Amy than Penny. I love how Amy is quirky, intellectual, and passionate about the things she loves. Every time I rewatch, I feel a little more connected to her and myself!
What started as a simple act of rewatching has, over time, evolved into something more. These shows have become a part of my daily life in a way that goes beyond just watching them. I’ve found myself fully embracing the fandoms surrounding these shows—The Big Bang Theory, Friends, and others have seeped into my social media feeds. I follow fan accounts, meme pages, and sometimes even participate in discussions about the popular episodes, sharing jokes or even my favourite quotes.
Embrace What Makes You Happy
I’ve had friends who joke about me rewatching the same shows, telling me to try something new. And honestly, I do try to explore new content, but here’s the thing: we also need to give ourselves permission to do what makes us happy.
The world around us is constantly changing, and it can sometimes feel overwhelming. If watching a familiar show brings you comfort, then embrace it. Don’t let social pressures or those inner voices that say you should “move on” dictate your choices.
Let yourself be. Let yourself enjoy the things that make your heart smile, the things that feel like home.
