We all go through it, you find a new TV show, you start watching episodes every so often, and then suddenly you're hooked. There's a series of stages you go through when binge-watching a TV show from start to finish that every TV lover can relate to.
Curiosity
Maybe you've seen a commercial advertising the show, or maybe it's the most talked-about series that you just haven't had time to watch yet. Either way, it has sparked your interest and you're ready for the excitement, drama and obsession that comes with a new show. And maybe you'll be lucky enough that your show is on Netflix so there's no waiting an entire week to see what happens next. Netflix show binges are the best way to watch a new TV series.
Excitement
The very first episode is starting. The theme song comes on and it's super catchy, getting you in the perfect mood for what's to come. You begin to learn the characters, their names, personalities and how everyone fits in together, and you feel like you've become a part of a whole new world. You've been sucked into a vortex of no return (at least for the time being while you're watching the show) and nothing else could possibly matter during those 30 minutes to an hour of bliss.
Boredom
This may not happen to everyone, but in my experience, the first few episodes of some shows aren't always the best and I need to force myself to keep watching to hopefully and finally find the juicy goodness of my new show. Sometimes you may find yourself a little bored with the plot or the characters, but you know if you push through you may just find something magical.
Guilt
The show has finally proved its worthiness and you become so enveloped in the storyline that you just can't stop watching. And so you feel a little guilty for once questioning your decision to keep watching because now you can barely imagine your life without this fantasy world.
Obsession
You can't think about anything else. You don't want to do anything else. All you want and need to do is keep watching this show. It's a problem, it's an obsession, it's an addiction and there's no way out. You're stuck in this world until you finish every last second of the series; every season, every episode, every moment. It's now become a serious binge, a marathon of sitting on the couch and staring at the screen for every free second you can find until the final episode comes to an end.
Helplessness
The show is coming to an end and there is absolutely nothing you can do about it. You never want to leave this world that you're not even actually living in, yet you need to see how everything turns out. You can't imagine life without the drama of the characters living inside the screen. But you know that final episode is looming over your head and it keeps getting closer with every episode you watch. You want to stay in these moments forever, but the anticipation of knowing how the drama adds up, keeps you wanting more, keeps you coming back for more. You're helpless in every aspect. You can't stop watching, but you never want it to end.
Despair
The final moment has come, and you're left with a mind full of questions and a blank screen. It's over. No matter how happy the ending may be, or even if it is sad, you can't feel anything but despair and shock that this world has come to an end. There's no more pretending you're a part of this alternate universe. All you have now are memories of the great times spent watching, with the laughs and the cries, alongside the characters you see as best friends and family. It's time to return back to real life but all you want is to start over.
Joy
You've found a new show to binge watch and the process starts all over again. You're brimming with happiness to join another group of friends and family for another exciting adventure.
