Listen, I'm going to be real with all of you, I bet this is the only topic I can actually rant about because I have been doing nothing but this (and maybe reading some books). I think I have become an expert, an obsessive expert, but an expert nonetheless.
So welcome to the Guide of Binge-Watching A TV Show.
Full Disclaimer: this is going to get ugly and emotional, but we all are going to get sucked into it anyway.
1. Choosing a show
GiphyCome on, don't lie, there is a friend of yours who has pestered you to watch a show. It has happened. It is probably still happening. Why don't you show that friend that you do appreciate their advice (even if it is given ill-timed in the middle of finals) and actually watch the pilot of the show they have been harping about?
In other news, I finally watched Sense8 because of a friend. It was amazing. Cancel everything else and watch that.
2. Getting in the mood to watch It
GiphyGet those chips (or other healthy alternatives), your phone (because you need to see those Instagram posts), and snuggle into your bed. This is going to be a long road.
3. If you can, get yourself a binge buddy
GiphyThe best motivation to actually finish a show is to do it with someone, but this step is optional because trust me, binge-watching alone is another kind of euphoria.
Unless that buddy completely refuses to continue the show, then you have to take matters into you own hands and become the bigger person and force them to watch it, of course.
4. Watching the second episode (even if you weren't impressed with the first)
GiphyThe real test is perseverance. There is a reason you chose this show to binge and you need to commit to it. You need to. You have cancelled everything else for today's binge-watching session so it needs to happen.
This is why having a buddy helps but only if that person is equally motivated to finish the show. It is like writing an essay: you have to start it and stick with it.
5. Finishing the show
GiphyThis stage is usually accompanied with tears of regret (because you literally binge-watched a show) and tears of remorse (because it is over). To get over this, you either call you friends and force them to start this show or you go back to stage 1 and choose another show.
And now you have reached the end of this binge. Or so you think, as you choose yet another show to start.
Once you get through one binge, it is hard not to start another (hello Dear White People which I finished in 2 days).
Happy binge-watching!
