You look at the clock and it’s 7:32. Not bad. Five minutes later -- or so you thought --you look again and it reads 12:53. Where in the world did all of that time go? That, in a nutshell, is basically the life of a binge watcher.
I am a binge watcher and I am proud. I can’t count the endless movies and television shows I have spent my time viewing on a small computer screen or a 42-inch flat screen. As you well know, watching movies is my favorite hobby, so if think about it, binge watching is like watching a super long movie.
I’m not the only binge watcher out there, so it’s only natural that I’m not the only one who thinks, gets sidetracked, and realizes that it’s 2016 and I’m re-watching every single episode of “Friends” for the eighth time.
Let’s replay a night of binge watching, shall we? You’re in bed or your couch, I honestly don’t care. One episode is done and you think, “Hey, I can go for another one.” Four more episodes pass and you think that if you do something productive while watching that you’re able to justify it. How many times have I cooked dinner and watched “Once Upon a Time?” A lot. I mean, I was doing something productive. I do have to eat.
Anyway, after the first five episodes you can’t really stop until you’ve come to a good ending point. If there are 10 episodes left you shouldn’t have to leave yourself hanging. I don’t know about you guys, but I’m one of those people who commits to something. Someone opened a bag of chips? I will commit to eating them until not one of them is left behind. That’s an exaggeration, but you get the idea. By this time, all thoughts of work, school and responsibilities have left your mind. The only thing you’re concerned with is that scene in the new season of “Orange is the New Black.”
Oh, and what’s the deal with Netflix constantly asking us if we’re still watching? Of course! I didn’t just randomly decide to get up and do something with my life halfway through “Saved by the Bell.” I will close out the tab when I’m good and ready, thank you very much.
Don’t even get me started on finishing a series. After five seasons of “Scandal” I’m just supposed to go on living like nothing just happened? Does anyone actually comprehend what happens in the period of time when you finish a show before starting a new one? I think one time I actually had human interaction. Once again, I am exaggerating, but you’re starting to catch on.
Before I conclude, let me please remind you that although I am a lover of binge watching, I also am quite fond of human interaction and doing things outside the confinement of the four walls of my bedroom. It’s rather important to lead a healthy lifestyle. But please, do treat yourself to a binge fest every once in a while. You deserve it after a hard day at work, a bad breakup, a horrible finals week, or just because you want to "treat yo self." Everyone knows that Netflix can’t just watch itself.
