In this day and age, binge-watching TV shows has become a part of our generation's overall lifestyle (thanks, Netflix!!!!!). So, you're basically lying when you say you haven't gone through these 12 stages:
1) CHOOSING
Picking the next show that you're going to watch is THE most important step in the binge-watching process, because this is the show that you know you will be obsessed with for the next couple of days. In this stage, it usually starts off casually and with a lot of prompting from your friends who are absolutely in love with said show.
2) PILOT-ing
Surrounded by popcorn, sweets, and a ton of soda, you are officially ready to begin watching! Throughout the pilot, you become a little bit picky because you're pretty much deciding whether or not this show is really worth devoting an entire week of your life to watching.
3) STRUGGLING
The first couple of episodes are sometimes the hardest to watch because, really, you've just been thrown into the main character's world. You end up meeting all 20 characters, whose names you're never going to remember. PLUS, you're trying not to chew your Pringles too loudly so you don't miss anything important (subtitles: ON).
4) JAMMING
At this point, you are rocking out to the theme song and absolutely PUMPED for the next episode to begin!!!!!
5) HOOKED
So... this stage typically tends to just sneak up on you... out of nowhere. Some common signs include: frantically clicking on the "Next Episode" button, sleepless nights, and having a ton of emotions at 3 in the morning. Fun times.
6) AVOIDING
You are avoiding everyone and all of your responsibilities (what 8AM?), you're surviving on the food around you, ignoring text messages, and you're getting ready to start season 4!! Cracking your knuckles, pressing "Play Episode," and getting ready to see if everything finally works out. Spoiler Alert: it doesn't.
7) ALL THE EMOTIONS
Even though you *technically* met the characters 2 days ago, you cry at their unnecessary deaths because you’ve gotten so attached! Getting so far ahead in the show in such a short amount of time can't be too good for your emotions.
8) BACK TO "REALITY"
When you DO decide to emerge from your bat cave (usually for a class that you have to go to), the only thing you can talk about is the new show you’re watching. You look up anything and everything related to the show, whether it be interviews or behind the scenes with the cast. And then, your friend tells you that they've seen it... You start to excitedly talk about it with them until... “Have you seen the episode where...??” *SPOILERS GALORE*
9) DENIAL
After your friends inevitably ruin the next couple of episodes for you, you end up going back to the den to continue watching the show until you realize that... you're on the last season. The last season starts and you refuse to accept the fact that the show is ending for you. I mean, these characters are basically your friends! They can’t leave!!! As a result, watching this season takes a little bit longer than the time it took to finish the others.
10) If the Show Is Still Airing: CLIFFHANGERS
So, wait, that's IT??? How could they end the season like that???? *immediately googles when the next season will come on Netflix* WHY IS IT SO FAR AWAY?? But, for real, what am I going to do with my life until this show comes back???? This is definitely the worst stage.
10) In the Case of a Season Finale: HEARTBREAK
You've finally finished the show after a week. It's over. Your time together has officially ended. You're basically breaking up but it was a great 10 season run, right?
11) WHAT'S NEXT?
Your life basically becomes that episode in Friends when Chandler and Joey stay in their recliner chairs and watch TV all day every day, while tricking the rest of the gang into bringing them food... Oh, wait, you haven't seen Friends yet?
12) REPEAT STAGES 1-11
Yeah, this is your life now.
