Fanfiction. What is that even? Well, I'm here to tell you! Fanfiction is when a fan of a show/movie/book/anime/youtube channel/etc. wants to place the characters in a new situation.
Many people have experienced a show that was cancelled in its prime, leaving many open-ended situations. Many questions left unanswered, or perhaps just a what-if left up in the air. Fanfiction is a wonderful way to place all of these people or characters in a new situation and be able to manipulate the situation in any way you would want. It may seem silly, but many people find that Fanfiction can help a series live on for many years after it is all coming to an end.
There are people who only read fanfiction but do not write it. That is a very normal situation as well. People want to know what would have happened if Ron and Hermione went to the Yule Ball together? There is a fix for that (Probably closer to 100 fics for that).
Another amazing thing about fanfiction is that during a hiatus from a TV show there is no lack of new information. It may not all be cannon, but it is all new things to read, watch, or see. One huge thing about fanfiction is that it brings a large community of people together from all over the globe. I once met a girl through fanfiction from New York. We friended each other on Facebook and talked whenever we needed an outlet. It was a great thing for me to have met someone who shared their love of a certain fandom with me.
I know that Fanfiction is not for everyone, but it can be an amazing way to connect with others who like the same things as you, as well as have an outlet for your own creativity.