For over 40 years I have been a day time soap-opera junkie. I have followed Another World, the Bold & the Beautiful, General Hospital and Young and the Restless, and the soaps never go on hiatus. In my teens, I was home sick for a couple of weeks, so I got hooked. Decades later, shamefully, I am still a fan!
Back in the day, I taped my soaps daily on VHS and watched them later that day. Lately, I PVR two of them and binge-watch my soaps on weekends. This is the first time in decades the soaps are repeating classic episodes daily.
Hence my venture into binge-watching TV shows on Netflix and Prime. I always felt that the binge-watching that my teens engaged in regularly may be unhealthy, mainly because it involves too much screen time and some of the shows they watch may be violent, disturbing or even ridiculous.
Binge-watching has been a savior for those who got sick in these past months at home, and a comfort for those of us in need of a distraction from the grim news. It has actually become a lifeline for many, and has connected family and friends, in terms of show discussions. Many people soothe themselves to sleep by the ritual of watching two or three episodes every night. Truthfully, people are finding solace in binge-watching these days; it is a way to nourish their soul. Some people are early risers and binge-watch before sunrise.
Back in March, I got into Love is Blind, a ridiculous social experiment reality show. The premise was actually absurd, in my opinion. My daughter was also watching this show. So during the monotony of staying home, this show became a subject of conversation with my daughter, especially about the real-life characters. It seemed to connect us.
Hence my venture into binge-watching TV shows on Netflix and Prime. I always felt that the binge-watching that my teens engaged in regularly may be unhealthy, mainly because it involves too much screen time and some of the shows they watch may be violent, disturbing or even ridiculous.
Binge-watching has been a savior for those who got sick in these past months at home, and a comfort for those of us in need of a distraction from the grim news. It has actually become a lifeline for many, and has connected family and friends, in terms of show discussions. Many people soothe themselves to sleep by the ritual of watching two or three episodes every night. Truthfully, people are finding solace in binge-watching these days; it is a way to nourish their soul. Some people are early risers and binge-watch before sunrise.
Back in March, I got into Love is Blind, a ridiculous social experiment reality show. The premise was actually absurd, in my opinion. My daughter was also watching this show. So during the monotony of staying home, this show became a subject of conversation with my daughter, especially about the real-life characters. It seemed to connect us.
Recently, I have embraced binge-watching and even enjoyed some decent shows- sitcoms like Fuller House and Life In Pieces, dramedies like Virgin River, Younger, Sweet Magnolias, Girlfriend's Guide to Divorce, Modern Love; dramas like Suits, Northern Rescue and Unorthodox; thrillers like You and even fantasy like Lucifer to name a few. But no, I have not seen Tiger King and don't intend to.
Relax with a comedy or a riveting drama or be impulsive with something different like fantasy. Perhaps re-watch an old favourite like the Office or the Gilmore Girls, which I recently did.
You may also look to make binge-watching as a socially distant activity. Perhaps watch with your friend, partner, sibling, or child. Did you know that Netflix offers Netflix party which allows you to stream the same show online and chat at the same time? Or you can always go the way of the 1980's and stay on the phone while you both watch. This type of binge-watching can become a date night, enhancing connections with your boyfriend or girlfriend, at a time you may not be able to watch together.
Binge-watching can be absorbing. You can easily lose track of time and put off your bedtime and therefore make you lose sleep. How many of us have clicked "next episode" a few times and the next thing you know it's 2 am...
Early risers may choose to watch a few episodes while the house is quiet.
Relax with a comedy or a riveting drama or be impulsive with something different like fantasy. Perhaps re-watch an old favourite like the Office or the Gilmore Girls, which I recently did.
You may also look to make binge-watching as a socially distant activity. Perhaps watch with your friend, partner, sibling, or child. Did you know that Netflix offers Netflix party which allows you to stream the same show online and chat at the same time? Or you can always go the way of the 1980's and stay on the phone while you both watch. This type of binge-watching can become a date night, enhancing connections with your boyfriend or girlfriend, at a time you may not be able to watch together.
Binge-watching can be absorbing. You can easily lose track of time and put off your bedtime and therefore make you lose sleep. How many of us have clicked "next episode" a few times and the next thing you know it's 2 am...
Early risers may choose to watch a few episodes while the house is quiet.
It's acceptable to sample different types of shows. Decide what relaxes, soothes or excites you. If an action thriller helps you escape all your worries, go for it! Just think about how your choices may feed your escapism. Personally, I enjoy watching short shows that are 22-23 minutes, for the sole reason I will watch a couple of episodes in one sitting, and not have to pause several times.
What's my latest obsession?
It is an Israeli romantic comedy, The Baker and the Beauty on Prime. This show is completely binge-worthy. It actually does a nice job of portraying Israeli life, Sephardic, Ashkenazie, Yemenite, Moroccan and Egyptian- without the religious angle. I really like the way it depicts Israeli identity-the people, their passion and their deep love of their country. Just be forewarned, it is in Hebrew and you will likely need to enable the subtitles. An adaptation of the Israeli show just ended its 1st season on ABC and it is set in Little Havana, Miami. So right now, I am watching both shows simultaneously, which is pretty amusing, and I am enjoying both series', seeing their parallels and differences!
So don't feel guilty- because binge-watching may be the most relaxing couple of hours you have each day, amidst the chaos in the world and struggles in our personal lives. It may be something to look forward to, since going out to dinner and movie may not be possible just yet.
Question of the day: What TV show did you recently binge?
Stay Safe,
Davina
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