Do you ever binge-watch TV programs? This essentially means that you watch multiple episodes of (a television program) in rapid succession...like in one day or
one weekend.
My husband, Joe, and I don't do this often. Generally, we'll watch one TV program at night and then move onto other activities. But every now and then, we'll plant ourselves on
the sofa and binge-watch a bit.
Our daughter, Amanda, was recently in town from college for winter break. During that time, I will admit that we watched way more TV than we normally do. We ended up binge-watching Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee on Netflix. Have you heard of it? It ran
for 11 seasons...84 episodes in all.
Each episode features Jerry Seinfeld who picks up guest comedians in a vintage car of the day (a different and interesting car each episode.) They would then drive to a café or restaurant where they drink coffee and just talk. It's not scripted, which is what we
really liked about it. You're essentially just watching two people have a conversation.
Anyway, there is always a whole lot of chatter in the world about what a waste of time watching TV is. Some will say it encourages laziness. Others will say it uses up time we could be using for something more
productive.
Some will say that it hampers creativity, is a spark for unhealthy habits (especially eating junk food), and makes us feel a false sense of reality.
In some cases, ALL of that can be true...if TV always takes precedence over exercising, other activities you enjoy (knitting, woodworking, etc.) eating healthy, TO DOs that need to be done, goals that aren't being worked on, etc.
But rather than focus on what's bad about watching TV, here's what's good about it. When you're watching TV in moderation (an hour or so a night...maybe two hours on a Saturday and/or Sunday)...
* it can be a wonderful way to relax and unwind. Our minds and bodies need downtime now and then.
* it can actually spur on ideas. I've built a week's worth of menus just by watching the Food Network. I've also gotten many topic ideas from other programming for this
daily newsletter.
* it can educate. I've learned quite a bit from watching TV, ranging from current news events, weather phenomenons, survival tips, fashion ideas, home decorationg, sportsmanship, and history.
* it can spur fun conversation from those you're watching with. I know my family had a great time talking and laughing throughout some of the Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee episodes.
* it's an inexpensive way to escape from day-to-day life for just a bit. We can't all afford to hop on a plane and go to Bora Bora, after all.
So, if you like to watch a bit of TV (and you're not always doing so at the expense of other priorities), release any
guilt you may be feeling. And it's perfectly fine to binge-watch occasionally.
And, by the way, if you know someone who loves the show Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, there
is also a tribute book available that would make a great gift.
Reply back with the name of a TV program you watched in the past few days and enjoyed. I'll include responses I get in a future edition of this ezine.
