If you’ve never heard the phrase ‘go-to comfort show’ before, allow me to provide you with the details. I first heard this terminology a couple of years ago, entirely unaware of the fact that I was already dabbling in the act itself, but in my own words, it is the process of watching a movie or television show on and off, over and over again, from start to finish. It’s referred to as a comfort movie or show because, like comfort food, it provides us with a feeling of peace and happiness, and we feel at ease watching them.
I’ve read a couple of theories about comfort shows and movies; one suggested this tendency is more relevant amongst people who experience anxiety – because the show or movie is one they have seen dozens of times, they need not anticipate anything unknown, and can instead mindlessly tune in without much emotion. Another theory proposed that participating in the act of watching a movie or show over and over without growing tired of it is a sign of severe mental illness – personally, I prefer the former option, seeing as I have a few comfort shows myself.
Regardless of why people have them, here are some of my own personal comfort shows:
- Vikings
- Vikings: Valhalla
- The Last Kingdom
- The Office
- Queer Eye
- Sons of Anarchy
- The Witcher
Here are some of my comfort movies:
- Dazed and Confused
- Any of the Harry Potter films, though The Goblet of Fire and The Prisoner of Azkaban in particular
- I, Tonya
- Warrior
- Shrek
- King Arthur
- The Day After Tomorrow
- Twister
I’m certain there are some movies I’m forgetting to mention, but I do think I listed all possible comfort television show options. There is also an obvious Viking/Medieval theme to my show preferences, in case you missed it.
What are some of your comfort shows and movies?
Photo by Jens Kreuter on Unsplash
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