Rewatching Your Favorite Show Can Help Your Mental Health

We’ve all been there. You scroll through dozens of new shows, critically acclaimed documentaries, and trending dramas, and then without hesitation you hit play on that familiar episode of Parks and Recreation, The Office, or Friends for the hundredth time. Is it just a mindless habit? A nostalgic indulgence? Actually, according to psychologists, it’s something deeper and far more meaningful.

Rewatching familiar shows has been found to be a powerful form of emotional regulation, particularly when life feels overwhelming. A study conducted by researchers at the State University of New York found that revisiting beloved shows or movies can help individuals regain a sense of control. In a world full of unpredictability, there is peace in knowing how a story ends.

This isn't just about laziness or lack of imagination. It’s about seeking emotional stability. That predictable plotline and the familiar rhythm of a character’s voice offers a sense of grounding. When the chaos of life feels like too much, those old episodes become more than entertainment they become a refuge.

Dr. Jaye Derrick, a psychologist who has studied this phenomenon, explains that these repeated viewings create “parasocial relationships” connections we form with fictional characters who feel like friends. These relationships provide emotional comfort without the complications of real-life interaction. It’s like checking in with someone who gets you, who doesn’t need anything from you, and who always delivers the same reassuring experience.

This might explain why, after a tough day, you’re more likely to revisit a sitcom than dive into a heavy documentary or a suspenseful new series. You’re not just choosing entertainment you’re choosing emotional safety. It’s a form of self-care that gives your brain a break from decision fatigue, social dynamics, and narrative stress.

From a spiritual standpoint, this makes sense too. God designed us to seek rhythms, patterns, and comfort. That’s why the Bible speaks of Sabbath a divine invitation to rest and reset. Rewatching an old show might not be a traditional Sabbath activity, but it carries the same principle: stepping into a space where striving ceases and restoration begins.

In fact, neuroscience supports this. Research from the University of California has shown that familiarity lowers cognitive load, allowing the brain to relax and recuperate. That means pressing play on that comforting series isn’t just a guilty pleasure it’s mental recovery. It helps regulate emotions, soothe stress, and even improve sleep quality.

So no, you’re not “wasting time” if you choose to rewatch season 3 of New Girl instead of trying that intense political thriller everyone’s talking about. You’re giving your nervous system a breather. You’re reconnecting with comfort. And in doing so, you’re participating in a small act of emotional stewardship tending to your inner world with care.

This doesn’t mean we should retreat from challenges or avoid new experiences. It means we acknowledge our limits and respond to stress with wisdom. It means we embrace simple pleasures as part of how God wired us to heal and be restored.

So the next time you feel like you should “branch out” but find yourself reaching for that same old favorite, don’t be ashamed. Consider it emotional maintenance. Think of it as a form of personal liturgy a rhythm of calm in the middle of life’s chaos.

And yes, by all means, rewatch season 3, episode 7. For your well-being. For your heart. For the quiet, sacred rest your soul deserves.

If this encouraged you, pass it along to someone who might need to hear that their comfort show is doing more good than they realize or subscribe to our newsletter to receive more insights that meet you right where you are.