Recent studies show that more college students are rewatching nostalgic TV shows as a way to cope with stress, find emotional comfort, and relax after long days.
A report by the National Research Group revealed that 60% of total TV viewing time is spent rewatching old shows, a trend especially prominent among college students. Familiar series like Grey’s Anatomy, The Office, and classic Disney films rank among the most rewatched.
“I like Disney movies because they remind me of my childhood,” said Emma Hamberlin, a member of the BYU women’s soccer team. “All the memories associated makes me happy.”
This comfort viewing comes from the cognitive ease of familiar content. According to researchers, rewatching favorite shows reduces mental effort, helping students decompress.
“When I want to sit down and relax, it’s a way to decompress… I don’t have to fully understand to enjoy it,” said Maya Larsen, a student at BYU. “This is my third time watching it, and I still love it every time.”
Nostalgic content offers students a form of escapism, transporting them to less stressful times and providing a mental break from academic pressure.
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