Why Do I Watch the Similar Present Over and Over? ADHD and Associates TV Present

A comfy night. I’ve accomplished all my chores and I’m snugly wrapped in my cherished threadbare pajamas. In my hand is a piping-hot cup of espresso emanating comforting heat. Whereas the surface world stays chaotic and unpredictable, throughout the confines of my cozy place, I uncover ease within the inviting glow of my acquainted laptop computer display screen.

Pondering what to observe tonight, I think about a mess of choices. And but, I’m irresistibly drawn again to the identical three TV exhibits — ones I’ve indulged in far too many instances to depend over the previous 20 years.

Rewatching TV Reveals: The ADHD Clarification

So what are the three TV collection which have captivated me for twenty years? Drum roll, please!

1. Associates. As Chandler would say, this iconic sitcom is my lobster.
2. Charmed. The collection forged a spell over me that hasn’t light over time. I even began making my very own E book of Shadows, which bought misplaced once I moved out of my first residence.
3. Gray’s Anatomy. I dreamed of turning into a surgeon due to this present (a nonsense dream now). Both means, I nonetheless love the present and studying all about unusual illnesses.

You may be pondering: What sort of sane particular person would watch the identical handful of TV exhibits time and again? It’s an affordable query that has even crossed my very own thoughts. For me, it has nearly every little thing to do with ADHD.

Tuning right into a New Present Is a Chore

Diving right into a brand-new TV collection is tough — even exhausting — with a mind that wrestles with consideration and focus. The tiniest distractions are sufficient to tug me away from understanding the plot of a brand new present. I’ll resolve to shortly scroll by way of Instagram earlier than realizing that I missed a complete episode.

[Read: I Like TV the Way I Like Big Projects — In Small Chunks]

However with acquainted TV exhibits, none of this is a matter. I can zone out and nonetheless know precisely what’s occurring. I already know the twists and turns that lay forward. I’m spared the burden of memorizing character names and conserving observe of complicated storylines. I can absolutely have interaction with the story with out continuously feeling like I’m lacking one thing.

ADHD Wants Predictability

I already know your subsequent query: Doesn’t watching the identical exhibits get boring? Certain, novelty could be thrilling for these of us with ADHD. However it can be overwhelming. That’s why a splash of predictability could be so soothing. Returning to my favourite TV exhibits provides my stressed thoughts the sense of consolation and familiarity it typically wants. They’re my escape from the wild world exterior. When every little thing else spirals into a large number, at the least I do know that Ross and Rachel will survive their rollercoaster romance.

Determination Fatigue within the Golden Age of TV

Particularly in in the present day’s fast-paced world the place new exhibits are launched at astonishing charges, sticking to the identical three seems like a no brainer. Whereas there’s a lot nice new content material on the market that teases the senses, it’s additionally a minefield of choice fatigue and psychological exhaustion. I’ve caught myself aimlessly scrolling by way of streaming platforms for one thing new to placed on, solely to be overwhelmed by the minefield of selections nearly each time. I’ve seen infinite trailers for potential exhibits and have learn numerous collection descriptions, however ultimately, I often quit and watch nothing.

If I stick to my tried-and-true collection, it’s akin to selecting vanilla on the ice cream store. I do know it’s scrumptious, and it’s most likely higher than going for that bizarre taste hiding chunks of bubblegum or Swedish fish.

[Read: “How a TV Show Helped Connect Me and My Teenage Son”]

A Journey Down Reminiscence Lane

In fact, my unwavering devotion to those exhibits goes past ADHD. For one, they’re exhibits which can be simply too good to let go. However additionally they maintain a particular place in my coronary heart as a result of they stood with me throughout a few of the most difficult instances of my life. They provided a much-needed escape when the burden of the world felt insufferable, and so they offered a type of companionship when solitude threatened to eat me. Watching these exhibits over time has jogged my memory of the place I’m alone journey, and the profound position these characters and their tales have performed in shaping my very own narrative.

Watching the Similar Present Over and Over: Subsequent Steps

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF ADDITUDE
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