Introduction
Why do autistic individuals often enjoy rewatching TV series? Most of us have a favourite television series or a film that we rewatch from time to time. However, for many autistic people, rewatching television series and films is a common and comforting activity. This behaviour goes beyond simple entertainment; it serves a range of psychological and social functions that provide stability, foster social connections, and promote cognitive growth. Autistic people may have a deep interest and understanding of their favourite shows/films. Understanding why autistic individuals often turn to their favourite TV series reveals important insights into how they navigate a world that can sometimes feel unpredictable and overwhelming. In this blog we explain more about why this behaviour is often observed in autistic individuals.
Comfort and predictability
One of the main reasons autistic individuals often enjoy rewatching TV series is the comfort they derive from the familiarity. Familiar narratives offer a sense of predictability, reducing the anxiety that often accompanies new experiences. Research supports this idea, suggesting that autistic people tend to gravitate toward repetitive behaviours and stimuli they recognise (Mazurek et al., 2011). For many, rewatching a show allows them to step into a world where the outcomes are known and manageable. In this controlled environment, they can escape the uncertainties of everyday life, finding comfort in the repetition of a story they’ve already experienced.
Social connections
Rewatching television shows can also play an important role in building social connections. Familiarity with characters, plotlines, and themes allows individuals to bond with others who share similar interests. This shared engagement with a series creates a sense of community, helping autistic people to connect with people in a way that feels both comfortable and low-pressure (Ministero et al., 2022).
Cognitive engagement and skill development
Rewatching a TV show is not just about comfort and social connection; it can also serve as a tool for cognitive development. When individuals repeatedly watch a series, they are able to analyse the characters and plotlines on a deeper level. This process can enhance critical thinking, emotional understanding, and how others respond to and manage emotions which is one of the areas that can be challenging for neurodivergent individuals trying to navigate a neurotypical world with social norms that are often unclear (Ahuja et al., 2020).
Revisiting familiar content can help individuals to hone their ability to understand character motivations, recognise social dynamics, and predict outcomes. This type of cognitive engagement can help them build the skills needed to navigate real-life social situations. As they watch a character’s emotional growth or interact with complex social scenarios, they can practice understanding emotions in a safe, controlled way. Over time, this may lead to improved social skills, making it easier for them to apply these lessons in their own interactions.
Conclusion
The rewatching of television series by autistic people is multifaceted insomuch as it provides comfort, facilitates social connection, and promotes cognitive growth. It reflects a broader trend of seeking familiarity and predictability in a world that can often feel overwhelming. Whether through the feeling of safety from a favourite show, bonding with others over shared narratives, or the cognitive benefits of revisiting plotlines, rewatching television series and films serves an important role in helping autistic individuals to navigate the complexities of their inner and outer worlds.
At The Gesher Assessment centre we offer autism assessments and ADHD assessments from our centres in North London and Hertfordshire. Find out more or book a call with us here.
This blog post was written by Leandri Ferreira, The Gesher Assessment Centre’s
Occupational Therapist & Clinical Lead.
References
Ahuja, K., Bose, A., Jain, M., Dey, K., Joshi, A., Achary, K., … & Goel, M. (2020). Gaze-based screening of autistic traits for adolescents and young adults using prosaic videos.. https://doi.org/10.1145/3378393.3402242
Mazurek, M., Shattuck, P., Wagner, M., & Cooper, B. (2011). Prevalence and correlates of screen-based media use among youths with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 42(8), 1757-1767. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-011-1413-8
Ministero, L., Green, M., Gabriel, S., & Valenti, J. (2022). Back where i belong: rereading as a risk-free pathway to social connection.. Psychology of Aesthetics Creativity and the Arts, 16(1), 97-109. https://doi.org/10.1037/aca0000375