As you wrap up Netflix shows like House of Cards and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, it seems like nothing will be able to replace the drama or the laughs. Maybe now is the perfect time to revisit that old show you used to love. Summer is starting, so the TV pickings are getting a little slim.
There’s also no urge to binge because you’ve already seen it, so your time outdoors won’t be interrupted either!So why is watching an old favorite so awesome? Shows that ended a few (or more) years ago that you enjoyed as a kid or a teenager can mean something very different watching it as an adult. You have new experiences that have shaped you, so the characters, themes and situations can take on a whole new meaning.
Watching an old favorite became so easy when Netflix released all seven seasons of Gilmore Girls. It was a show that impacted a lot of people and was highly emotional. Revisiting the show could bring back a lot of memories with a new perspective. Maybe you used to think Emily and Lorelai’s fights seemed stupid and easy to solve, but now it’s something that’s relatable. Fighting with your parents is all too real, and it really does hurt. When you’re watching as a 15-year-old, you only relate to Rory, but the 20-something you now understands Lorelai’s frustrations.
The same situation could happen with Friends, now that it too is on Netflix. Rachel was probably your favorite character because she was pretty, popular and fabulous. Now, realizing that maybe Ross and Rachel’s relationship wasn’t as healthy and romantic as it seemed, you begin to relate to Monica.
Perhaps you even start to slightly envy her multiple season success with Chandler. Honestly, a ten-year long will they won’t they isn’t plausible in real life.Not only does re-watching provide new context, it’s fun too. You already know you like it, so why not enjoy it again? There’s also science behind re-watching (or rereading) something. It’s therapeutic to return to a world you’re comfortable with, like your old favorite TV shows.
There are countless other shows you can re-watch: One Tree Hill, The O.C., Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Will and Grace, Dawson’s Creek and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. So go ahead and re-watch. It will be like returning to your warm bed at night.
Feature Photo via We Heart It