You should be asleep or catching up on that new Netflix show everyone’s talking about. Instead, you’re on season five of “Modern Family” — again. You know every joke, every awkward moment, every heartfelt scene. But somehow, it still feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s almost second nature to hit “Next Episode.”
With endless new content, why do we keep running back to the same shows?
Life today is overwhelming. Young people are dealing with student debt, high rent, work pressure, climate worries, and a nonstop stream of news and social media. It’s hard to relax. So many turn to something they already know. Something that feels safe.
That’s where comfort TV steps in. The “mere exposure effect” explains that we naturally prefer what’s familiar because it makes us feel safe and comfortable, as defined by a Psychology Today. In other words, rewatching a favorite show removes uncertainty which we know the storylines, the jokes, the endings. There are no surprises.
This kind of calm is more than just pleasant. Knowing what will happen on-screen can reduce stress and anxiety, especially in a time when so many young adults feel constant pressure. Familiar shows provide a rare sense of stability, acting as a form of self-care, according to Verywell Mind.
Comfort TV isn’t just about calm; it’s about connection. Going back to shows like “The Office” or “New Girl” is a form of emotional regulation, a way to check in with something steady when life feels unstable, according to a study referenced in Relevant Magazine. These characters feel like old friends. Seeing familiar faces navigate life’s ups and downs reminds us we’re not alone. It can also spark nostalgia, recalling simpler times in high school, in dorms rooms, or during quiet evenings before responsibilities piled up.
Some critics argue that rewatching shows in our generation is lazy or afraid of change. Why not try something new? But they miss the point. Our lives are already saturated with “new” — new classes, new deadlines, new crises. Sometimes what we need most is something predictable that doesn’t change. In a world that demands constant adaptation, comfort TV is a rare, stable anchor.
In conjunction with other healthy coping strategies — exercise, journaling, or mindfulness — rewatching can be a highly effective way to reduce stress, as it offers a small but meaningful moment of control in an otherwise chaotic life, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Streaming platforms are taking notice. Disney+ recently launched a new Throwback Collection, featuring 90s and 2000s series and movies such as “Lizzie McGuire,” “Recess,” and more — even content you wish would return, like original animated series.
Reruns aren’t new, but streaming makes them intentional. Unlike the old days of cable, when shows aired weekly and reruns filled gaps, we now choose our comfort shows. This is a subtle shift, but an important one: instead of passively consuming, we actively select stability in a constantly changing world.
Beyond nostalgia, comfort TV can teach resilience. Watching familiar characters confront challenges and adapt, even predictably, offers subtle lessons in coping. It reminds us that life is messy, but familiar frameworks exist for us to navigate it.
And honestly? If that means I’ve seen “Modern Family” over 10 times, then so be it.
