Study Finds Rewatching Comfort Shows Reduces Stress Because You Already Know The Ending

You’ve seen it before. You know the lines, the twists, and exactly how it ends, yet you press play anyway. Whether it’s a sitcom you’ve watched countless times or a familiar drama you return to on difficult days, rewatching favourite TV shows is more than a habit. Research suggests it’s a form of emotional self-care.

Studies in psychology and neuroscience indicate that familiarity reduces cognitive load. When we already know the storyline, our brains don’t need to work as hard to process new information. This lowers mental effort and, in turn, helps reduce stress and anxiety. There’s no suspense to manage, no uncertainty to resolve, just predictable patterns that feel safe and reassuring.

 

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In moments of emotional exhaustion or overwhelm, the brain naturally seeks stability. Familiar shows provide that by offering a controlled, low-risk emotional environment where nothing unexpected will happen.

Rewatching familiar content also creates a sense of emotional safety. Knowing the outcome allows us to relax into the experience without fear of unpleasant surprises. This is especially comforting during periods of uncertainty, change, or heightened stress, when real life feels unpredictable.