I usually go from show to show, enjoying the process of picking and starting a new show when I finish my last. However, I just finished my re-watch of Neon Genesis Evangelion on Netflix and have come across a familiar feeling that is keeping me from doing so. It's happened to most of us. You watch a show and you thoroughly enjoy it, every episode is a joy, and you can't wait to continue watching it when you get home. Then just like that, it's over. You've finished the show, and are left in the void.

Most often I'd describe the void as a feeling of emptiness after finishing a show, but really it's a combination of feelings. There's the feeling that you are not ready to be done, even though the show is finished. There's sadness, happiness, and anger all combined and directed at the show's conclusion. The inability to start a new show, or starting a new show and not being able to concentrate on it is known to happen when experiencing the void. Nothing feels right. The show you just finished sits in your mind, preventing you from committing to a new show. Many of us fly through shows every other week without issue, so this can be uncomfortable and frustrating, but it's okay.

The show has made an impact on you, and much like a long relationship, it wouldn't be normal to just jump into another one immediately after. Take your time to grieve, re-watch scenes and episodes, or watch some online analysis or reviews of your show. Find people who share your love for the show and discuss it with them. You could even use that time you would normally spend watching a show to pick up a new hobby. You might as well, given that the void is preventing you from watching a new show anyway. Luckily for me, this time around there's sequel movies to Evangelion, and anybody familiar with the series knows there is plenty of depth and themes to be explored through extensive analysis. This time, I will welcome the void, and bask in it until the time comes for me to start my next journey.