I feel like watching movies or a show has recently gotten a bad rep. It’s a mindless activity you do to evade your problems or to procrastinate. It’s a shame, really, because I think watching a show or a movie can be a mindful experience for anyone. And you don’t need to be watching a Godard film for this experience to be meaningful. You can be watching the silliest reality show ever. As long as you are present and enjoying what you’re watching, I see the viewing experience as an opportunity to practice mindful media consumption. Here’s a few tips on how to watch films and TV shows mindfully.

STOP TRYING TO WATCH IT ALL

We have a large media catalogue at the tip of our fingers. Every week, there’s a new film or show out that everyone must watch. It can feel overwhelming.

I think it’s important for us to take a step back and see what shows or films are for us. For example, I didn’t think “Bridgerton” was for me. However I forced myself to watch it because everyone else wouldn’t stop talking about it. Turns out, I was right. Not for me. It’s OK. I simply stopped watching half-way through. And you should do the same. Feel free to stop watching a film or show if it’s no longer serving you. Whether you are 10 minutes or 7 seasons in, I don’t care. Your time is precious, especially your free time. Be sure that the content you’re watching is making you happy. If it’s not, then find something better to watch or do.

DON’T MULTITASK

Turn off notifications on your phone when you’re getting ready to watch a show or movie. Better yet, turn off your phone completely and keep it in another room. If you have the need to check your phone while watching a movie or a TV show, then it’s clear that this film or show isn’t interesting enough for you, so you should maybe consider changing your activity.

And please oh please especially don’t check your phone while in a theatre. I’ve seen people instant messaging while watching a film. It’s distracting and I hate it. If you’re not enjoying the movie, get out and grab a beer. It’s honestly a better use of your time. Also, you’ll avoid annoying many other spectators. Thank you for coming to my TED talk.

MAKE A RITUAL OUT OF IT

This is kind of related to my previous point but, the idea is to give your viewing experience the importance it deserves, so make a ritual out of it. For example, at my place, me and my boyfriend like to order food and watch a film on Sunday nights. We like to decide what we are watching early so we can also plan our food delivery. So, let’s say we’re rewatching “Die Hard” (John McTiernan, 1988). Pizza night it is. We order our pizzas by 7pm so they get home by 8pm at the latest. This gives us plenty of time to enjoy the movie without going to bed too late. It’s our ritual to survive the Sunday night scaries. We love it and it’s an amazing opportunity to rewatch awesome classics.

TO BINGE-WATCH OR NOT TO BINGE-WATCH? THAT IS THE QUESTION

Let me preface this by confessing that binge-watching is my guilty pleasure. Honestly it is. However, I am not proud of it, because I don’t think that binge-watching is synonymous of mindful consumption.

So here’s the thing, when watching a new show, I think we should all make an effort to not watch more than one episode a day. Some of you might think I’m crazy, I know. But seriously. Let’s remember not so far back we used to only have new episodes once a week, so suggesting to watch one episode a day is not bad. I think it’s important after watching an episode to let it settle, to think on it, analyze it. Don’t worry, I’m not asking you to write a dissertation about it! But just think about what you have watched. What did you like about it? Anything you didn’t like about it? Where do you think the writers are taking the show after today’s episode?

Another suggestion is to get some friends to have the same watching schedule as you. Make dates (they can be virtual dates) to comment each episode. I remember when “Lost” (J.J. Abrams, Jeffrey Lieber & Damon Lindelof; 2004-2010) was still running. After each episode I’d go online and chat with other people about the episode and comment on our theories. I did the same with my friends at school. I think all this is lost when you binge-watch because all you do is watch the show in one sitting and then comment with your friends… maybe once after you’re done? Where’s the magic in that?

REWATCH OR COMFORT WATCH

I’ve been rewatching many shows during this pandemic. I rewatched “The Sopranos” (David Chase, 1999-2007), “Friends” (David Crane & Marta Kauffman, 1994-2004) and I’m currently re-watching “Pacey’s Creek” (Kevin Williamson, 1998-2003). Sorry, I meant “Dawson’s Creek”. However, we all know Pacey was the star of that show, right?

Anyway, I love rewatching shows I love. It makes me feel good. They are comforting. And I love finding new details I never noticed before. Or I read certain situations in a different way. Or I connect with characters I didn’t connect with as much when I first watched it because I was too young. I make rewatching a show a mindful experience and you can too. Again, if you are present while rewatching, if you’re having fun, feeling inmersed in it… that’s mindful consumption. So don’t feel guilty about rewatching a show you love instead of catching up on a new one. Life’s too short not to re-enjoy shows you love.

I hope these tips on how to watch films and TV series mindfully are helpful to you. Watching movies and TV shows is a big part of my life and I hate that it’s currently seen as a lazy thing to do. Both films and TV shows can be educational,  stimulate your creativity and they can move us in a way other forms of art can’t. If nothing more, I hope this post helps you appreciate this art form that has brought so much happiness to my life. I leave you with a clip from “Gilmore Girls” (Amy Sherman-Palladino, 2000-2007), which is one of my favorite comfort shows. In it, Rory and Lorelai Gilmore make a ritual out of watching the “The Donna Reed Show” (1958-1966). Sure, they’re not being very mindful about it, but look at this experience. Much better than glancing at your phone constantly, right?