I recently enjoyed dinner with a few friends who couldn’t stop talking about a new series—“Green Fields.” They insisted I absolutely must watch it, along with “Riverdale” once I was done. I was tempted by their enthusiasm and promised to start watching that very night.
However, when I got home and flicked through the TV options, I gravitated toward a familiar series that my partner and I had started watching together. After he fell ill, he couldn’t finish it, yet it played in the background as his health declined. Now, I find myself re-watching it more often than I care to admit.
It wasn’t until another widow in my support group shared her own experience of revisiting a classic sitcom that I connected my tendency to re-watch shows with my grief. That was my epiphany; it became clear that my preference wasn’t just about being too lazy to search for something new. Re-watching these shows embodies nostalgia, providing comfort and a sense of predictability during an unpredictable time, especially as a solo parent in a pandemic.
The Nostalgia Factor
Nostalgia, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is “the state of being homesick.” I learned that home is far more than just a building; it’s the feeling of safety and belonging, often tied to those we love. With the passing of my partner, I lost that sense of home. Yet, when I dive into a show we once enjoyed, I can momentarily escape that loss and feel a semblance of the comfort that once was.
The Comfort Element
It seems I’m not alone in this; many find solace in re-watching familiar entertainment. Psychologist Lisa Martinez notes that revisiting the same shows can affirm that there’s order in the world, providing a primal sense of safety and comfort. After my partner’s death, I struggled to find that sense of order, but for those fleeting moments during an episode, I do.
The Predictability Advantage
When I first watched these series, everything was fresh and new. On subsequent viewings, I noticed details I missed before. However, now that I’ve seen them several times, the outcome is predictable. In 2023, knowing what to expect can be a relief, especially amid the challenges of solo parenting and global issues. Watching these familiar series helps me momentarily silence the overwhelming mental load.
A Time Machine for Grief
I’ve shared before how grief has impacted my ability to enjoy new media. New books or shows often feel daunting, while revisiting old favorites feels like reconnecting with a dear friend. While I know I shouldn’t dwell in the past, I occasionally crave the comfort of the life I once had—because I loved that life and the person I was then.
In the future, I may delve into shows like “Green Fields” and “Riverdale,” and I genuinely hope to. But for now, as I navigate solo parenting amidst various crises, I’m grateful for the sense of comfort and home that comes from re-watching familiar shows.
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Summary:
Re-watching familiar shows has been a source of comfort for many, especially those dealing with grief and change. For individuals navigating life after loss, revisiting beloved series can evoke nostalgia, provide predictability, and create a temporary sense of safety amidst chaos. While exploring new shows is on the horizon, the solace found in the past is invaluable during challenging times.
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