Made you look!
OK, in fact, binge-watching television shows (which some of us may have indulged in during the recent bad weather) is tied to depression and loneliness, according to a new University of Texas at Austin study.
Because binge-watching is such a new phenomenon, this is one of the first studies of its kind. And if you’ve ever indulged, yourself, this study is going to sound really smart to you. (Personally? During a recent bad patch of weather, I started binge-watching the ’90s show, “Friends,” a show I didn’t watch when it was on, and a show that reflects absolutely nothing about my life, at all, other than I, too, have friends. I started late one night and finally pushed away a day and a half later, a little bored, a little sad, and a lot more invested in Phoebe, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Ross than I ever want to be again.
(Turns out I’m not the only one.)
Dating Jesus 
I’ve indulged in binge watching before. Ken Burns’ documentaries on Netflix mostly. I tried it with the first season of House of Cards and lost interest so quickly I haven’t been back. If I find something of interest now I’ll limit my exposure to just a couple of episodes at a time. That way it doesn’t cut into my internet trolling. Priorities matter.
The study results sound familiar. Didn’t SCIENCE! report similar results for video gamers?
Probably. The prophet says: There’s nothing new under the sun, including media binging. I tried to binge on “House of Cards,” too, but also lost interest. I’m not sure why. I think it was because I could figure out what people were going to do before they did it, and where’s the fun in that?
I tried watching the British original, but kept falling asleep.
Now that football season is over, the household collects on Sunday to watch The Fall on Netflix. But we limit exposure to two episodes at a time.
Inspector Morse?
I’ve been watching The Americans on Amazon, but I’ve never watched more than two episodes at one sitting. Too intense. In fact, after the first one, it was weeks before I felt ready for the second one. Excellent show.
On the other hand, I came to The Big Bang Theory after it was already in its 3rd or 4th season. Took me just a few weeks to catch up.
I need to at least glance at “The Americans.” I’ve read about it, but haven’t seen it. “Big Bang” looks like it’s on all the damn time.
I am on season 6 of “Gilmore Girls” … I know, how many guys would admit that?
But it has taken me months and months. It’s embedded in me, somewhat. I quote the show and refer to “The Wisdom of Lorelei.” No one understands, but my girlfriend, who probably wishes it would all be over.
It’s hard to explain a binge-obession. I have binged on “Inspector Morse,” “30 Rock,” and “Friends.” I’m not proud of any of that.