It is when you haven't left your house for several days, piled under an array of snacks, and glued to your TV/Computer screen when you accept that you are obsessed with television shows. While you have no intention of changing your ways, there are 10 things that happen when you're obsessed with TV shows.
1. You become “that friend.”
That friend who doesn’t want to go out on Friday. That friend who is constantly thinking about their favorite characters. That friend that thinks it is acceptable to watch 5 seasons in a single weekend. Nothing wrong with that, right?
2. Your social media follows have more celebrities than real-life friends.
Who cares about those people from high school? Who cares about those people at your college? You sure don’t. In fact, your Twitter and Instagram feed are a cluster of actors, producers and writers from all your favorite TV series. If you’re not following Joe who works the microphones on set, then you’re not obsessed with TV as much as you thought you were.
3. Conventions. Upfronts. Everything in between.
You’re probably not obsessed with TV shows if you haven’t traveled and spent a lot of money to meet the people that make up those TV shows. Conventions are pricey, but paying for photo-ops and autographs are priceless if it means you get to squeeze your favorite characters in real life.
4. Watching live becomes a must-do.
Every good TV-watcher knows how important views are. The struggle is real when the show you’re interested in is brand new or clinging onto the network for life. Recording and watching later? Simply not an option. You must contribute to the viewer count (even if recorded watches count toward the viewer total, watching live is better on your conscience).
5. You start buying your favorite TV shows on DVD.
You probably have all the seasons recorded on your DVR anyway, but obviously you need to own the DVDs as well. It’s a must. $39.99 for season 1? Let’s do this.
6. Some people will understand you. Others won’t.
There are friends that totally get it. Even if your friends don’t watch the same shows that you do, they still understand the dedication and obsession that runs through you and they accept it as a part of who you are. Others, however, just cannot understand. Anyone who says, “Oh, I don’t watch TV that much.” probably confuses the hell out of you just as much as you confuse the hell out of them.
7. Re-runs don’t bother you.
Long gone are the days of disappointment when there’s simply nothing to watch on TV. There’s always something for you to watch, and you’re OK with it being re-runs.
8. Songs are no longer relevant to your life. They are relevant to a character’s life.
This is hardly preventable when your mind is near constantly indulged in different worlds. Most people listen to music because it speaks to them. You likely listen to music because it reminds you of your favorite characters and the struggles they go to. Cue the feels.
9. Your love life < Character love life.
Okay, so you still care about getting out and talking to people. You might even be in a serious relationship. But when you’re obsessed with TV shows, there’s a lot of time and emotion that goes into wanting your favorite characters to be together.
10. Making friends becomes a lot easier.
Finding someone into the same shows as you means instant friendship. Whether that friendship is long-distance or not, you have someone that is always there to fangirl/boy with you, discuss theories with you, and keep you updated on the latest drama going on both on AND off scenes. There is no better friendship than a friendship based on mutual interest, and you know firsthand that this is true!
11. You accept who you are.
TV and its fictional worlds can help us cope with the stresses in our own lives. You know it best; TV shows are more than just entertainment. To you, it's your escape. You accept your obsession and won't ever change it about yourself! After all, there are worse things to be obsessed with out there.
