Having a Netflix account has turned into a common household item, like dish soap or cooking spray. What you don't sign up for when you make a Netflix account is all the emotional baggage that Netflix shows can leave. They can leave you happy, sad, mad, confused, or even ready to write a letter to the producer demanding answers. One thing for sure is that we all go through the same series of emotional stages when our newest favorite show comes to an end.
1. The processing stage.
The processing stage begins as soon as the show ends when the credits are rolling and there is not another episode to watch. You might be smiling, or frowning, or even yelling at the screen all the things that should have happened, but never did. The processing stage can last anywhere from just a few minutes to a few days, depending on how the show you watched ended. This is where you try to understand why exactly they needed to kill that one person you liked or are they really leaving the show like this?
2. The questioning stage.
Now the questioning stage isn't just trying to reel all the show gave you back in, but also brings some personal questions like, "Did I really need to watch five episodes every day? I wasn't ready for it to be over so quickly. How come there were only four seasons? Why didn't they get more? Don't they realize this is the best show ever? Now what do I do with all the free time? I can't start something right now, that's moving a little too fast for me.
3. The mad stage.
This is the stage where you are ready to head down to the head of the show's network and demand an apology. You're hurt, sad, confused, and in need of answers. And maybe to rip someone a new one over a few minor details that weren't so minor to you. You might take out your rage in a rant to your mom who acts concerned, but really has no idea what you're talking about. Getting mad helps you cope with the loss of this beloved show.
4. The sad stage.
Now that you're no longer mad, you're start to get sad because you finally have realized how over (really over) the show is. You're a little mopey which is normal for anyone finishing a show they invested months into watching so never feel too bad about this. It also depends on how the show ended. You could be sad simply because the show is over, but then again, you could be sad because that ending was NOT what you wanted at all (cough, "Dexter," cough).
5. The acceptance stage.
This is when you finally have realized and accepted that no matter what, this was indeed the last episode of the show. Ever. It still pains you slightly, but you are finally moving on. It's for the best, after all. Acceptance is the stage that brings you to the last part of your Netflix grieving. You're finally able to move on and pick up your life from your previous show. It's time to accept, which ultimately lets you move onto the next stage.
6. The moving-on stage.
This is the point where you finally feel like you're ready to commit to a new show. If you're like me, I tend to find something similar afterwards because I'm not quite ready to fully move on (judge me). But now that you're here and have made it through, you start recommending the show you just got over to just about anyone who will listen. And now that you've found you're newest show to watch, you'll just be getting ready to start the grieving process all over again.
