How to quit my favourite TV shows

[ladysherlockian]

I decided to take action against them.There are a couple of these I enjoy, for instance Doctor Who and Marvel shows like Agents of Shield and Agent Carter. I do not watch them excessively but I found myself unable to stop watching a series mid-season, I seem to have a complusion to know how the story would end. I would like to get rid of this need to finish tv series I started. I do not spend too much time on them, just watch one or maximum two episodes when they are available. But I guess the fact that I cannot stop watching before the series ends may be a sign I am unhealthily addicted to the series. I really enjoy them and the justification I used to continue watching them was practice of my English (which is not my native language). However, watching tv series has to end. I have already blocked websites which deal with reviews of tv series (I used to read them a lot, I also liked reading in-depth analyses of the episodes I watched), but I am looking for further advice. So far, I have found websites which tell you how to quit watching tv, and these are not really useful since I do not watch much tv, generally I just choose specific programmes, and my tv series watching takes place predominantly online. So, the advice on quitting tv is not really helpful for me. Do you have any advice for me or can you refer me to a specific website or forum like this which deals with addiction to specific shows rather than tv in general? I usually do not watch the same episodes twice, and once the season or the series is finished, I do not usually return to it, but I hate to drop a show I enjoy before learning how it ends. How to get rid of this “completionist” need to know the end of the story? Thank you so much for your help

 

[Casilda]

Get rid of your TV. Seriously. I didn’t own a TV in the 80’s. I was in college, working, married, had a family, no time for TV, no need for a TV. My dad called it the idiot box.

 

[Lou2U]

Get rid of your TV. Seriously. I didn’t own a TV in the 80’s. I was in college, working, married, had a family, no time for TV, no need for a TV. My dad called it the idiot box.

Actually, I agree. There’s nothing better than going cold turkey to realise how little importance these shows actually have in your life.

Lou

 

[ClearWater]

I think you’re fine watching your programs, since they aren’t excessive or problematic. I think it’s normal to want to know how it will come out.

I guess if one wants to give up certain programs, focusing on another program or activity might be one way to handle that.

 

[ClearWater]

Oh, and I also watch series to help with language. I keep the subtitles in Spanish, and I have learned a TON!

 

[ucfengr]

I decided to take action against them.There are a couple of these I enjoy, for instance Doctor Who and Marvel shows like Agents of Shield and Agent Carter. I do not watch them excessively but I found myself unable to stop watching a series mid-season, I seem to have a complusion to know how the story would end. I would like to get rid of this need to finish tv series I started. I do not spend too much time on them, just watch one or maximum two episodes when they are available. But I guess the fact that I cannot stop watching before the series ends may be a sign I am unhealthily addicted to the series. I really enjoy them and the justification I used to continue watching them was practice of my English (which is not my native language). However, watching tv series has to end. I have already blocked websites which deal with reviews of tv series (I used to read them a lot, I also liked reading in-depth analyses of the episodes I watched), but I am looking for further advice. So far, I have found websites which tell you how to quit watching tv, and these are not really useful since I do not watch much tv, generally I just choose specific programmes, and my tv series watching takes place predominantly online. So, the advice on quitting tv is not really helpful for me. Do you have any advice for me or can you refer me to a specific website or forum like this which deals with addiction to specific shows rather than tv in general? I usually do not watch the same episodes twice, and once the season or the series is finished, I do not usually return to it, but I hate to drop a show I enjoy before learning how it ends. How to get rid of this “completionist” need to know the end of the story? Thank you so much for your help

Would you stop a book you were enjoying in the middle? I don’t see completing a TV series as different, especially given the how most TV now serialize (the season leads up to a finale) rather than do stand-alone episodes (the big problem is solved at the end of each episode). I guess it’s one thing if you’re not enjoying the show, but still feel compelled to complete it, but if you are enjoying it, I don’t see a problem.

 

[ClearWater]

Would you stop a book you were enjoying in the middle? I don’t see completing a TV series as different, especially given the how most TV now serialize (the season leads up to a finale) rather than do stand-alone episodes (the big problem is solved at the end of each episode). I guess it’s one thing if you’re not enjoying the show, but still feel compelled to complete it, but if you are enjoying it, I don’t see a problem.

Yeah, it’s normal curiousity…to be continued!

 

[dixieagle]

As another poster pointed out, you wouldn’t think to odd to be compelled to finish a book you were reading. There’s no difference, really.

The problem would come in if you were watching garbage, or watching TV constantly and to the detriment of other responsibilities. It certainly doesn’t sound as if you are doing that.

There’s nothing wrong with TV, as such; it is a medium. To quote the late, very wise Edward R. Murrow: “This instrument can teach, it can illuminate; yes, and even it can inspire. But it can do so only to the extent that humans are determined to use it to those ends. Otherwise, it’s nothing but wires and lights in a box.” If you consume programs that illuminate or inspire - or even simply uplift your spirits - you’re using the medium wisely.