You cried over the finale. Screamed at your television when you realized how long you had to wait for a new episode. Blogged about different fan theories and whether or not your favorite character would be coming back (followed by a sigh of relief when you realized the actor was signed on for another season). Then you waited two to three months for your show to come back, possibly getting yourself addicted to another show in the process. Now, the wait is finally over. You know that within the next week you'll be watching new episodes again, and the excitement is too much to handle.
I've been where you are. My favorite show, "Supernatural," is coming back on October 7, after ending season 10 around mid-May. I experienced the sadness and the shock that comes with a season finale, and I spent my summer blogging about fan theories and character arcs, with the occasional piece of fan fiction every now and then. However, there's nothing I've found more exciting and scary than the week before a new episode, with the knowledge that in a week, all of our questions are going to be answered. So, what's a fangirl to do?
1. Watch the finale again.
It's been a little over two months since it aired, and while the big twist may still be fresh in your mind, it doesn't hurt to watch the finale again and remember what you're in for when watching the next season. You know how you read a book series, waiting six months to a year between books, then when you get the next one you have to do some re-reading to remember certain plot points? The same is true for television. It's also a great excuse to marathon your favorite show before the return. While re-watching the finale, go over your fan theories and fan fiction ideas for the new season, now that you're finally close to seeing it come to life.
2. Check the social media accounts for the actors and show runners.
Oftentimes, you can go onto the official Facebook or Twitter page for a television show and get exclusive promos and previews of the new season. However, especially as we get closer to the season premiere, cast members and show runners will often post pictures and selfies while they're shooting which often have clues as to what's going to happen in the next season. It's also a great way to get a fix of your favorite actors while you wait (in)patiently for the next season. The closer you get to a new season, the more likely actors are to post stuff on their social media accounts and interact with followers in order to promote the new season.
3. Buy and wear merchandise from the show.
The easiest and fastest way to find a fellow fangirl in a crowd is to see him/her with a t-shirt, backpack, or hoodie from the show they love. Merchandise can be a Funko Pop! of your favorite character, a phone case with a slogan from the show on it or a t-shirt with your favorite actor's faces on it. This is actually the biggest way that fans give back to their favorite show, and end up being a huge financial backer of any show with a cult following. There's also something exciting and fun about finding new merchandise for your show, and being able to take it home to show to other people. Now, the day(s) before your favorite show airs, you have an excuse to completely immerse yourself in what you love. Even if you're without groceries for a week.
With these three tips, it should be easier and much more fun to deal with the suspense that leads up to the season premiere of a show. Whether it be "Supernatural" or another show, fan-girling is a fun way to express your love for a show, and show your appreciation that it's returning.
Have fun, and enjoy your premiere!