I started watching Supernatural about four months ago on Netflix and after many late night binge-fests, I finally finished all of the seasons that are currently on Netflix. Of course, the series ended on a cliffhanger so I have to wait months and months on end just to find out what happens next. It’s time to pick a new show to watch in the meantime and these are the steps that I’m going to go through while watching the show.

1. Picking the show

This step is very important because you have to test out the different categories to find out which one suits you the most right now.

2. Getting through that first episode awkwardness

Watching the first episode of any show can be kind of uncomfortable because you’re trying to figure out everything that’s happened in the past along with everything going on at the moment.

3. Starting to understand the show

As the first season goes on, you start to really get to know the characters and their different backgrounds and storylines. You start to understand jokes based on the show and can even make some yourself.

4. Getting really invested in the show

After the first season things usually take off from there. Any minute you’re not busy, you’re watching the show. You talk to anyone that will listen about it and you don’t just know about the character’s lives but the actors/actress’ lives as well.

5. Taking a break

Every series has that point where it all starts to go downhill. Either a major character leaves the show, the plot starts to get more confusing than entertaining, or you start to lose interest. You’ll slowly start to watch it less and less until you can’t even remember what you were watching.

6. Rediscovering the show

After a few months of watching different shows, you spot it on Netflix one day and wonder why you ever stopped watching it. You pick off right where you left off and that love you had for it once before finally resurfaces.

7. Getting closer to the end

As the end grows near, you start to see all of the different plot lines slowly coming together. You know that you’re almost finished and as much as you want to know what happens, you don’t want it to end. You start to slow down on episodes and really appreciate all of the characters.

8. Watching the last episode

Finally, everything makes sense. You’re both happy that you finally finished the series you’ve been working on for months and sad because it’s over and now what are you supposed to do with all your free time. This stage usually involves a lot of tears so get your tissues out.

9. Deciding when it’s time to watch a new episode

You have to give yourself enough time to mourn the show you just finished, but how much is enough time? Every time you think you’re ready and start scrolling through Netflix again, you pass your old show and all those emotions resurface all over again. But finally, when you can pass it and not burst into tears, you can start this list all over again.