4. It alters our brain chemistry

Watching our favourite TV shows activates our brain’s reward centre in a surprising number of ways:

It releases dopamine

“When you watch a comfort show, your brain releases dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward,” says Dr Gill. “This is produced because you’re anticipating something you enjoy – whether it’s the humour, the characters or the storyline. The familiarity of the show also contributes to this effect because your brain knows it will get a ‘reward’ from watching it, which helps boost your mood and creates feelings of happiness.”

It gives us emotional satisfaction

“Comfort shows often give us a sense of emotional satisfaction, which triggers the brain’s reward system – particularly the ventral striatum (which includes areas like the nucleus accumbens),” says Dr Gill. “This system processes rewarding experiences, such as pleasure and enjoyment, reinforcing the desire to rewatch certain shows because of the positive feelings they provide.”

It reduces our stress hormones

“Cortisol is the hormone released in response to stress,” notes Dr Gill. “When you watch a comfort show, especially one with a light-hearted or nostalgic tone, the brain’s parasympathetic nervous system is activated, which reduces stress and promotes relaxation. This leads to a decrease in cortisol levels, helping you feel more at ease and less anxious.”

Rewatching your favourite comfort shows is good for you – here’s the science behind why