The Power of Rewatching: How Many Times Do You Watch Your Favorite Shows?

Do you ever find yourself rewatching your favorite TV shows over and over again? It’s a common and often rewarding experience, rekindling memories and deepening your appreciation for characters and storylines. Some shows, like Firefly, might get around five watches, while iconic series like Friends and Seinfeld often see multiple tens of watches depending on the viewer.

Five Times: A Balanced Rewatch

Some shows, particularly those that are smaller in scale like Firefly, Pushing Daisies, and Dead Like Me, often get watched 5 times. These episodes are like cherished books or beloved sweaters. You might know the punchlines, but that familiarity isn't a hindrance; it’s part of the charm. The simple joy of seeing your characters thrive or struggle—over and over again—keeps the show fresh.

Multiple Decades: Rewatching “Friends” and Other Classics

For viewers of syndicated shows like Friends, Seinfeld, and several others, their rewatch count is likely in the dozens, possibly even hundreds. It's a testament to the enduring quality of these shows that compel you to revisit them repeatedly. Whether it's an episode you can recite word-for-word or a single plotline you continue to explore, each rewatch provides new insights and laughter.

A Very Serious Rewatch: “Game of Thrones”

Game of Thrones stands out as a prime example of a show that has been rewatched multiple times. With a sprawling storyline and rich characters, it demands thorough digestion. I've rewatched the entire series from start to finish three times, which is quite a feat. And let's not forget the myriad episodes of beloved shows like Friends, Sex and the City, Modern Family, and The Big Bang Theory, which have been rewatched dozens of times, too. The repetition speaks to their impact and longevity.

Favorite Rewatch: Series With Multiple Viewings

When I've enjoyed a series a great deal, I'm often willing to rewatch it multiple times, especially if it’s not a particularly long show. Shows like It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Hannibal have fallen into this category, receiving 2-3 rewatchings. Now, I’m currently rewatching Penny Dreadful. Loyalty to the story and characters is at the heart of these rewatch sessions.

X-Files: A Long-Time Rewatch Love

When I discovered the X-Files in 2007, I was hooked. Within just 6 months, thanks to Netflix, I had watched all 7 seasons—a total of 11 times! While seasons 8 and 9 failed to captivate me, they were watched once only. However, since the revival, I’ve rewatched a few episodes a few more times, like “Mulder and Scully Meet the Were-Monster,” “This and Plus One,” and enjoyed Mulder’s and Scully’s progression. Now, with Netflix no longer hosting the show online, a rewatch might be harder, but the memories remain vivid.

These experiences demonstrate the profound impact that rewatching can have on a viewer's connection with a show. Rewatching isn't just a nostalgic activity; it's a way to deepen your understanding and extraction of the show's themes, character development, and plot twists. Consider your own favorite shows and how many times you've revisited them, and you’re likely to find similar patterns of enjoyment and appreciation.