Having eight seasons of a show available to you might seem like a glorious gift from the television gods, but binge-watching can be dangerous. Beware before you start Orange is the New Black. Before you know it, your weekend will be gone and you’ll have ordered five meals on Seamless.
1. Time Becomes Irrelevant
You might plan on watching just an episode or two before bed, but then suddenly you’re six episodes deep and it’s 4 AM. Prepare to be irritable the rest of the day.
2. Avoiding Spoilers is Impossible
No matter how hard you try, you will inevitably overhear a co-worker give away a major plot point or come across an unmarked spoiler on the internet. The rest of the season is spent knowing so-and-so is a goner.
3. You. Can’t. Stop.
You don’t have to stop, so you just don’t. You go so far as to cancel plans with friends so you can finish all the available episodes. Even if you convince yourself to leave the couch, you are just counting down until you can continue binge-watching.
4. Discussing Shows is Difficult
I have two co-workers who also watch The Walking Dead. Every Monday morning we have a recap talk of the previous night’s episode. When you’re binge-watching, there’s no one to be shocked, angry, or overjoyed with. Other people who watch the show are either ahead or behind you. Binge-watching is better with a friend.
5. The Wait When It’s Over
Watching any show that is still on the air is a major mistake. Once you’ve consumed all 56 episodes within two weeks, the wait until the new season airs is unbearable. Not having that instant gratification can drive a person crazy.
