There’s more to watch than ever, but finding the time for the latest season of that show can be hard! Here are some tips for keeping up.
Most of us are always watching multiple shows at the same time. You might have started with one, but while you waited for the next season, you started another — and when that was over, you watched a couple of episodes of a third show that you really liked but ended up abandoning with the intention of catching up later. Somehow, you’re now “watching” at least 5 shows but aren’t up to date with any of them. And you still wish you had time to branch out a little, and start a new one!
Being behind on shows is a struggle. Spoilers abound everywhere, especially when it comes to big shows like Game of Thrones or Stranger Things. It becomes virtually impossible to avoid being spoiled when everyone around you, both physically and on the internet, has watched the latest episode. You end up covering your ears a lot and having to leave rooms. You dream of a day when you can deactivate your spoiler blocker and be free.
So what to do? Life is hectic, but that doesn’t mean you have to abandon your shows. Here’s a list of tips to stay connected to your favorite stories.
Pick the one with the most spoilers
Given the choice between an old show you began at some point and then forgot about, or an obscure show nobody else watches, and something hugely mainstream, always go with the mainstream one. You’re not as likely to stumble upon spoilers from the first season of Downton Abbey as you are to get the Game of Thrones finale spoiled for you.
Keep an eye out for what your Tumblr, Twitter and Facebook are buzzing about — and then promptly prioritize that over anything else. Not only will you avoid the disappointment of being spoiled, but you’ll actually be able to participate in conversations as they happen, and feel more involved. Gathering topics of conversation is a productive thing to do, anyway.
Make a schedule
This might sound strange, but scheduling your watching time can greatly help your time management. Have a rule of one episode per night, or two episodes per night. Reward yourself for completing other tasks in your daily life by watching a new episode.
If you set time apart for your entertainment, you’re actually more productive outside of it. Knowing you have something to look forward to gives you more motivation, and you’re less likely to procrastinate by watching other stuff instead of getting things done.
Multitask
Even in a busy lifestyle, there are activities that can be combined. Any meal can be combined with some TV, for example, and certain activities that don’t require much thinking can be done with one eye on Netflix — such as cleaning the house, formatting a file for submission, cooking, packing a bag, or even showering (if you’re strategic enough). You might also be able to stream shows while you’re commuting (as long as you aren’t driving).
While you would ideally give a show your undivided attention to enjoy it fully, there is something nice about having it on in the background — especially if it’s a fun show like Scrubs or a very long episodic series like Criminal Minds. Sometimes the memory of that particular season, years later, is closely related to the activity you would carry out while watching it, and helps you think back to a moment in your life and relive it.
Turn binge-watching into a social experience
Who said that you have to watch the shows alone? Maybe you feel like your social life keeps you away from home when you’re free, and you don’t want to be the kind of person that stays home watching Netflix instead of going out with friends. Well, maybe you and your friends don’t need to go out. Instead, prepare some snacks and drinks and invite them over to binge-watch The Good Place. Not only will you be fulfilling your duty to your friends by hanging out with them, but you’ll be building a tradition with them and having yet another thing in common to talk about.
Shows are even better when you have someone to discuss them with, and the company of others makes comedy, suspense and excitement all the more enjoyable. Save that show you want to start, or the one you want to re-watch, and pull your friends into the fandom with you.
Forgive yourself
You can’t keep up with all the shows, even your favorite ones. Busy schedules are a thing, and sometimes taking the time to watch Season 2 of Stranger Things means swearing off Netflix for the next month if you want to make money and not fail in midterms. But don’t worry, those shows will be there for you when you’re ready. It might even be more enjoyable to watch them when you’re not stressed out of your mind.
Take your time, take the shows one at a time, and make sure you’re having fun. There’s no shame in falling behind if you’re enjoying the journey.