Safe Space on the Screen
Finding Comfort in the Familiar: Rewatching TV Shows and Movies as My Safe Space
There’s something magical about familiarity, isn’t there? When the world feels overwhelming, when my thoughts are racing, or when my emotions feel too heavy to bear, I find solace in the comforting embrace of my favorite TV shows and movies. For someone like me, who navigates anxiety, depression, and ADHD daily, these familiar stories aren’t just entertainment—they’re a lifeline.
Rewatching isn’t just a habit; it’s my safe space. While others might crave the excitement of discovering something new, I find peace in knowing exactly what’s coming next. There’s no uncertainty, no twists to brace for, no energy needed to adjust to something unfamiliar. The predictability is grounding. It’s like a warm, cozy blanket for my soul.
My Comfort Shows: Familiar Friends
Shows like Friends, How I Met Your Mother, RuPaul’s Drag Race, and Stranger Things are always there for me. (Yes, I just made a Friends pun!) These stories have become like old friends themselves—always reliable, always welcoming. I know the jokes, the characters, and even the endings of my favorite episodes, but that’s exactly why they’re so special to me.
In those moments when anxiety creeps in, I can press play on Friends and lose myself in the comforting antics of Monica, Chandler, and the gang. If I’m having a low-energy day, RuPaul’s Drag Race reminds me of the power of creativity, resilience, and self-expression. These shows don’t just distract me—they ground me, helping me feel less alone and more understood.
My Happy Place: Favorite Movies
When it comes to movies, I’ll always turn to Star Wars, Harry Potter, the Scream series, and more recently, Deadpool and Wolverine. These stories feel like home. They’re where I go when I’m happy, sad, angry, or even when I don’t know how I feel. These movies meet me wherever I am, offering me a sense of stability when everything else feels chaotic.
Deadpool has become a new favorite of mine. It’s funny, irreverent, and, honestly, just the kind of absurdity I need on tough days. And Wolverine? His story of resilience, inner turmoil, and ultimate redemption resonates with me in ways I can’t quite put into words. These characters feel like a mirror to my own struggles and triumphs.
Why Rewatching Matters
Rewatching isn’t about laziness or an unwillingness to try something new—it’s about survival. For me, dealing with anxiety and depression often means that my brain feels like it’s on overdrive. I have a constant loop of “what ifs” and spiraling thoughts that can make even the simplest decisions feel monumental. ADHD adds another layer, making focus and energy a limited resource.
Rewatching my favorite shows and movies takes all that pressure away. I don’t have to worry about whether I’ll like it or if it’ll trigger uncomfortable feelings. I know these stories inside and out. They’re predictable, safe, and comforting. And when everything else feels out of control, that’s exactly what I need.
The Power of Familiarity
These shows and movies aren’t just stories—they’re anchors. They remind me that it’s okay to take a step back, to lean into what feels safe and familiar. They remind me of simpler times, of moments when I felt happy, connected, or inspired. And sometimes, they’re just a way to escape the heaviness of the world for a little while.
I’ve learned to stop feeling guilty about my rewatching habits. Society can be so quick to praise novelty and discovery, but for people like me, there’s incredible value in the familiar. My favorite shows and movies give me something to hold onto, a sense of stability and comfort when I need it most.
Embracing My Safe Space
To anyone else who finds themselves rewatching the same shows and movies over and over again: you’re not alone. Don’t let anyone make you feel bad about it. We all cope in our own ways, and if rewatching Stranger Things for the fifth time or quoting every line of Deadpool helps you get through the day, that’s valid and beautiful.
My safe space isn’t just a list of shows and movies—it’s a part of me. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
xo B
