Psychology of Comfort TV Shows and Movies: 5 Interesting Reasons Why You Keep Going Back to Them

The Psychology of Comfort TV Shows and Movies

In an era of ever-expanding media choices, many individuals find themselves returning to familiar TV shows and movies instead of exploring new content. Whether it’s rewatching Friends, The Office, or Harry Potter, these comfort shows and films provide emotional relief and psychological benefits. But what exactly makes these familiar narratives so appealing? Psychological theories suggest that comfort viewing fulfills deep emotional needs, including stress relief, nostalgia, and a sense of control.

1. The Power of Familiarity and Predictability

One of the most significant reasons people turn to comfort TV and movies is the appeal of familiarity. Psychological research suggests that humans are drawn to predictable outcomes, particularly in times of stress or uncertainty (Sloan, 2019). Unlike new content, which requires cognitive effort to process, rewatching a familiar show reduces cognitive load, allowing the brain to relax.

A study by University College London found that repetitive exposure to familiar narratives activates the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and relaxation (Zacks et al., 2011). This predictable structure provides a sense of safety, helping viewers unwind after stressful events.

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2. Nostalgia and Emotional Connection

Comfort TV and movies also trigger nostalgia, a sentimental longing for the past that has been linked to improved mood and emotional well-being (Wildschut et al., 2006). Watching old favorites reminds individuals of earlier, perhaps simpler, times in their lives, evoking positive emotions.

Nostalgia has been shown to serve as a psychological buffer against negative emotions. A study published in Emotion found that nostalgic experiences can counteract loneliness and provide a sense of belonging (Routledge et al., 2013). By revisiting shows that were significant in earlier life stages, viewers experience a sense of continuity and stability.

3. Stress Reduction and Relaxation

The soothing effects of comfort TV are backed by research in media psychology. According to a study by Reinecke et al. (2012), media use for relaxation—especially through familiar and low-effort content—reduces physiological stress markers, such as cortisol levels. Watching lighthearted or familiar programs allows the brain to shift into a more relaxed state, offering psychological relief.

Anecdotally, this explains why many people rewatch sitcoms like Parks and Recreation or Brooklyn Nine-Nine before bed. These shows require minimal cognitive engagement, enabling a calming effect that aids in winding down after a long day.

 

4. Emotional Regulation and Catharsis

Rewatching familiar media also facilitates emotional regulation. The concept of catharsis, introduced by Aristotle, suggests that engaging with familiar narratives allows individuals to process their emotions in a controlled environment (Boon & Lomore, 2001). Watching a beloved character go through emotional highs and lows provides a safe outlet for personal emotional expression.

Additionally, media psychology research indicates that viewers often develop parasocial relationships—one-sided emotional bonds—with fictional characters (Giles, 2002). These relationships provide companionship, which can be especially beneficial in times of isolation or emotional distress.

5. Escapism and the Need for Control

Another key factor behind comfort viewing is escapism—the ability to temporarily disconnect from real-life stressors by immersing oneself in a familiar world (Kubey & Csikszentmihalyi, 1990). Unlike new shows, which may require adapting to unfamiliar plots or characters, comfort TV provides a controlled form of escapism, where viewers already know what to expect.

This sense of control is particularly relevant in periods of global uncertainty, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Research from the Journal of Consumer Research suggests that individuals seek out familiar media during times of crisis because it restores a feeling of stability and personal control (Holbrook & Schindler, 1989).

Conclusion

The psychological appeal of comfort TV and movies lies in their ability to offer familiarity, nostalgia, relaxation, emotional regulation, and a sense of control. Whether it’s revisiting a childhood favorite or rewatching a sitcom for the tenth time, comfort viewing serves as an effective coping mechanism in an unpredictable world. As media consumption continues to evolve, the enduring popularity of comfort shows highlights the fundamental human need for emotional security and stability.

References

Boon, S. D., & Lomore, C. D. (2001). “Admirer-celebrity relationships among young adults.” Human Communication Research, 27(3), 432-465.

Giles, D. C. (2002). “Parasocial interactions: A review of the literature and a model for future research.” Media Psychology, 4(3), 279-305.

Holbrook, M. B., & Schindler, R. M. (1989). “Some exploratory findings on the development of musical tastes.” Journal of Consumer Research, 16(1), 119-124.

Kubey, R., & Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Television and the quality of life: How viewing shapes everyday experience. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Reinecke, L., Hartmann, T., & Eden, A. (2012). “The guilty couch potato: The role of ego depletion in reducing recovery through media use.” Journal of Communication, 62(4), 607-625.

Routledge, C., Wildschut, T., Sedikides, C., Juhl, J., & Arndt, J. (2013). “The power of the past: Nostalgia as a meaning-making resource.” Emotion, 13(3), 453-460.

Sloan, R. P. (2019). “The neural basis of comfort viewing: A cognitive neuroscience perspective.” Journal of Media Psychology, 31(2), 78-92.

Wildschut, T., Sedikides, C., Arndt, J., & Routledge, C. (2006). “Nostalgia: Content, triggers, functions.” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 91(5), 975-993.

Zacks, J. M., Speer, N. K., Swallow, K. M., & Maley, C. J. (2011). “The brain’s response to predictable narrative structures.” NeuroImage, 56(2), 782-791.