Why People Rewatch the Same Comfort Show, According to Psychology

September 29, 2026 - 21:06

A 2009 study by Jaye L. Derrick and colleagues linked favorite TV programs to reduced loneliness among viewers who felt lonely. Their Social Surrogacy Hypothesis points to a need for belonging, but the research did not single out nighttime viewing.

The finding helps explain a habit many people recognize in themselves: returning to the same show again and again, long after the plot holds any surprise. The characters become familiar, the dialogue predictable, and that predictability appears to do something for the viewer. It offers a sense of connection without the effort or risk of a real social encounter.

Researchers have continued to explore this pattern. Rewatching appears to serve several emotional functions at once. It can restore a feeling of control, since the viewer already knows what happens next. It can also provide comfort during stress, when new information feels like too much to process. For some people, the show functions almost like a reliable friend who is always available.

The need for belonging sits at the center of this behavior. Loneliness does not always mean being physically alone. It can mean feeling unseen or disconnected even in a crowd. A familiar show fills that gap temporarily, offering warmth and continuity.

Psychologists caution that rewatching is not a problem by itself. It becomes a concern only when it replaces real relationships entirely. Used well, it can be a small, steady source of comfort, which may be exactly what the viewer is looking for.