Benefits of Binge Watching

Emily Rose
“I’m here, but nothing”, Yayoi Kusama, 2013
“I’m here, but nothing”, Yayoi Kusama, 2013

Binge watching isn’t normally seen as “productive” or “a good use of time”, but I’ve come to find that there are some definite exceptions to that mindset. In fact, the first one’s indisputable – what if your goal is to finish eight seasons of a show within the week? Binge watching is the only productive way to get it done. That argument’s airtight. Plus, it’s going to take some extreme focus, dedication, and commitment to see your goals through. Those transferrable skills are executive-level resume worthy.

There is something to be said for sitting down to a task and getting it done. Shows keep getting made and the to-watch list keeps piling up, until suddenly it’s just easier to procrastinate on everyone’s favorite method of procrastination. Pop some popcorn, turn off the lights, and turn on Netflix – it’s time to get some work done. Here’s why we should all be pro-binge watching:

Increase Focus

Everyone needs something to distract them at all times, because the world’s too intolerable without it. But there’s really no need for a distraction from the distraction. Why have you got to be on your laptop when the TV’s on? Why have you got a cell phone in your hands in front of the laptop screen? Prove to yourself you’re even able to do one thing at a time. And then do it five more times in a row.

Reduce Guilt 

I can’t believe how behind I am on what are supposedly my favorite shows. I love these characters and I have no idea what they’re up to. I’ve haven’t checked in on them in months. Their entire world’s changed by now and I’ve just been sitting here checking Twitter. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to start back up again. Jump back in with three or four episodes before the guilt takes over and you’re left behind in seasons-old dust.

Up Productivity

If I only let myself watch TV while I’m also doing the laundry, I’m not actually going to be doing either. Don’t waste time shuffling around deciding what you should be doing. Just watch a few episodes, do the laundry, then make some queso with all the time you saved.

Be Happy

You’ve got a favorite show for a reason – there’s some kind of value in watching it. Your time’s not going to be better spent flipping though channels. Get rid of all the static. Be purposeful with your time and spend it doing something you love. The next day, brag about the awesome choices you made over the weekend. Bonus points if they involved cake pops..

The Too Much To Watch List

Emily Rose

I’m not someone who can multitask while watching TV. Don’t walk into the other room while a show is on, you might miss something important. Get off Twitter. This is a TV show, not a radio play – everything on screen is happening for a reason. Honestly, don’t even talk in the moments there’s no dialogue playing. There are still sounds and images moving in sequence, and if you interrupt them, I’m going to miss some emotional cues.

This makes it very hard for me to watch television.

I can’t knit and watch TV, or write a blog post, or check email. To catch up on shows, the rest of the world has to stop, and that doesn’t happen often. As a result, I’ve gotten behind. I can’t remember when I was last this behind. There is so much to watch, and I can’t keep up with what I’ve already got on my plate. Here’s my current to-watch list.

To catch up on:

  • Regular Show (the #1 priority – I always stay caught up until CN airs a new episode every day for two weeks)
  • Adventure Time (how did I let myself get so behind??)
  • Supernatural (this is going to be tough, but it has to be done, right?)
  • Steven Universe (I didn’t want the list to seem made up exclusively of Cartoon Network shows, so I put it at number 4)
  • Broadchurch (also in the rewatch section, I want to feel everything again before I start season 2)

To watch for the first time:

  • Jessica Jones (I know it will change my life and everything, I just have some Regular Show to catch up on)
  • VEEP (I need that Armando Iannucci dialogue in my life)
  • Silicon Valley (Does it have Kumail Nanjiani? It will be hilarious.)
  • Legends of Tomorrow (I’d been avoiding the CW’s shared universe of small screen DC superheroes, but Arthur Darvill’s there, so I guess I will be, too.)

To rewatch (a list so long, none of the shows get explanations):

  • The Thick of It
  • Black Books
  • Empty
  • Flight of the Conchords
  • Noel Fielding’s Luxury Comedy
  • Over the Garden Wall
  • Broadchurch
  • Coupling
  • Community
  • Outnumbered

I’ve got a clear starting point, but after that, I’m not sure. It’s going to take a few marathons to even make a dent. Better start popping the popcorn… I hear blanket forts are powerful motivators.

(are you reading this right now while watching tv? stop that.)