From first click to series finale, we get addicted to Netflix shows at the worst times. But they're worth every minute of it. Here is a comprehensive list of probably everything you've ever felt while completely engulfed in your favorite Netflix series.
1. Curiosity.
You've heard your friends talk about how much they're obsessed with this new show. They've tried countless times to persuade you to watch it, but to no avail. However, you're fresh off emotionally recovering from finishing your last series with some time on your hands and some procrastination to do, so it's time to give it a try and see what all the hype's for.
2. Skepticism.
OK, so you're two to three episodes in and still not "hooked" yet. The characters are good, the plotline is decent, and there's nothing to hate, so why do people forego multiple social interactions to watch this show? You're not sure, but you still want to hang in there. The first two episodes aren't ever the best, right? Wrong.
3. First major plot twist.
Yup. There it is. You can't believe that one character just went there. You can't believe the screen just went black and the episode ended RIGHT AFTER THAT CLIFFHANGER JUST HAPPENED. You've formed a perpetual yet significant bond with one or more characters, you've decided which one you hate, and you're starting to 'ship your favorite couple. There's no turning back here.
4. Feeling personally victimized by the "are you still watching?" button.
I've consumed two meals in bed, haven't moved in five hours, and I'm pretty sure my headphones are permanently stuck in my ears. So yeah, Netflix, I'm still watching.
5. First season milestone.
You've finished the first season--congratulations! You watched seven plus months of programmed television in a matter of days, and it was no easy feat. You're feeling compassion for the poor fans who had to watch the season finale when it aired, then wait a whole calendar season for the next episode. How did they survive? Like actually, how? Next episode, please.
6. Infatuation.
You can't stop. Every time you're forced to exit out of Netflix and be productive, it physically pains you. You get out of bed and start your day, but all you can think about is that one scene. That one character. How that guy in your class reminds you so much of Alex Karev or how your professor looks like Jerry Gergich. It consumes 99.9 percent of your thoughts, with the other 0.1 percent calculating how much time you have left until you can crawl back into bed and start another episode.
7. Social media.
Wait, these beautiful actors with perfect bodies and perfect eyebrows are real humans? And they have Twitter and Instagram accounts? Time for a shameless follow spree. Maybe it'll help me pinpoint their location so I can "accidentally" run into them in L.A. and give birth to their children.
8. Full-blown addiction.
This isn't a joke anymore. You have dozens of episodes under your belt. You get personally angry at the characters and laugh at yourself when you realize how they would handle a real-life situation you're currently in. You wonder who the writers are and how they have made so many unrealistic storylines seem not only plausible, but addictive. You forget what real life is, and wonder why it doesn't have background music. Or why you can't hang up the phone without saying goodbye like all TV characters do. The theme song is running through your head and is most likely in your iTunes library as well.
9. Cooling down.
OK. You have real things to do. Maybe it's time to slow down a little bit. Change your current rate from "a season a day" to "an episode a day." This show is consuming your life, probably ruining your grades, and affecting your social life. Let's take a breather. Blair and Chuck will be right here for me when I get back.
10. I just can't quit you, babe.
Just kidding. That break was much needed, but how can I leave my favorite show like that? They're part of my life, and they always will be. They're my favorite people to cuddle up to on a rainy Sunday morning. Or any day of the week, for that matter. Thanks for being both the best and worst thing that's ever happened to me. I love you, Netflix.
11. Finishing the series.
You've been dreading this since day one. The culmination of all those sleepless nights and dedication. You're watching the series finale, and minute by minute, you get more emotional. The storylines wrap up, the conflicts are resolved, and it's time to put this show to rest. You managed to not cry, unil that "next episode starts in 15 seconds" box doesn't appear. A single tear runs down your face. What can be done now? You may need a week or two to recover. That is until Netflix suggests something else.
And now, a moment of silence for all of those emotions we felt. And all of those seasons we flew through.
