Why Do I Watch the Identical Present Over and Over? ADHD and Mates 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 skin world stays chaotic and unpredictable, inside the confines of my cozy place, I uncover ease within the inviting glow of my acquainted laptop computer display screen.

Pondering what to look at tonight, I contemplate a large number of choices. And but, I’m irresistibly drawn again to the identical three TV reveals — ones I’ve indulged in far too many occasions to rely over the previous 20 years.

Rewatching TV Exhibits: The ADHD Rationalization

So what are the three TV sequence which have captivated me for 20 years? Drum roll, please!

1. Mates. As Chandler would say, this iconic sitcom is my lobster.
2. Charmed. The sequence 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 after I moved out of my first condominium.
3. Gray’s Anatomy. I dreamed of changing into a surgeon due to this present (a nonsense dream now). Both approach, I nonetheless love the present and studying all about unusual ailments.

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

Tuning right into a New Present Is a Chore

Diving right into a brand-new TV sequence is troublesome — even exhausting — with a mind that wrestles with consideration and focus. The tiniest distractions are sufficient to drag me away from understanding the plot of a brand new present. I’ll determine 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 reveals, 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 preserving observe of advanced storylines. I can totally interact with the story with out consistently feeling like I’m lacking one thing.

ADHD Wants Predictability

I already know your subsequent query: Doesn’t watching the identical reveals get boring? Positive, novelty will be thrilling for these of us with ADHD. Nevertheless it may also be overwhelming. That’s why a splash of predictability will be so soothing. Returning to my favourite TV reveals offers my stressed thoughts the sense of consolation and familiarity it typically wants. They’re my escape from the wild world exterior. When all the pieces else spirals into a multitude, a minimum of I do know that Ross and Rachel will survive their rollercoaster romance.

Choice Fatigue within the Golden Age of TV

Particularly in right this moment’s fast-paced world the place new reveals are launched at astonishing charges, sticking to the identical three appears 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 resolution 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 decisions nearly each time. I’ve seen infinite trailers for potential reveals and have learn numerous sequence descriptions, however in the long run, I normally surrender and watch nothing.

If I stick to my tried-and-true sequence, it’s akin to picking vanilla on the ice cream store. I do know it’s scrumptious, and it’s in all probability 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

After all, my unwavering devotion to those reveals goes past ADHD. For one, they’re reveals 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 number of the most difficult occasions 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 reveals 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 Identical Present Over and Over: Subsequent Steps

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF ADDITUDE
Since 1998, ADDitude has labored to offer ADHD schooling and steering by way of webinars, newsletters, group engagement, and its groundbreaking journal. To assist ADDitude’s mission, please consider subscribing. Your readership and assist assist make our content material and outreach attainable. Thanks.

Save