Why Rewatching Your Favourite Show Is Actually Self-Care

Rewatching the same series again and again may seem like procrastination. Some might even label it laziness. The truth is far more interesting and much more compassionate. That habit could be your brain’s way of regulating emotion and bringing you comfort during times of stress.

When life feels overwhelming, the brain naturally seeks familiarity. It craves routines, rhythms, and experiences it can predict. Watching a show you already know inside out provides just that. There are no surprises, no tension, no emotional risk. You know the story, the characters, and exactly what happens next. That certainty creates a sense of calm in a world that often feels anything but calm.

According to a study from the University of Chicago, people are more likely to return to familiar television shows when they feel emotionally drained or depleted. This is not about escaping reality. It is about restoring emotional energy and bringing stability to the nervous system.

Think about it. When you rewatch a comforting series, your brain is not bracing for twists or waiting to see how things will turn out. It is already at ease. You can relax because the emotional outcome is known. The laughter, the music, the tone of the story all act as subtle signals that tell your brain it is safe.

This creates a soft landing for your mind and body. A small way to recharge, especially when other forms of rest or escape feel too demanding.

There is also a nostalgic factor at play. Rewatching a show you once loved often reconnects you with a period in your life that felt easier or more joyful. That emotional memory becomes a kind of internal anchor, reminding you of who you were and what felt good.

None of this means you are avoiding life. It means you are finding a safe pause. A way to catch your breath before stepping back into the noise. Rewatching is not just comfort viewing. It is quiet repair.

So next time you hit play on that series you have seen a dozen times, know that your brain is doing something wise. It is looking after you.