Feel-Good Flicks And Shows That’ll Brighten Your Day
Have you ever wondered if your TV binge-watching sessions can stir up your inner emotions like a shaken soda can?
Well, according to a recent study that’s gaining traction faster than a hot cup of coffee on a Seattle morning, 40% of those glued to their screens while indulging in the never-ending drama of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ are feeling an emotional surge afterward. It turns out those surgeons aren’t just dissecting hearts on the show; they’re examining our emotions too!
But don’t think you’re alone on this emotional journey. A poll of 2,000 people with streaming subscriptions shed light on their binge-induced mood swings. 51% of these brave humans confessed that what they watch can affect their mood for the entire day! Imagine being all happy-go-lucky and then suddenly BAM – you’re feeling like a character from a Shakespearean tragedy. Apparently, TV has more power than you think!
Waiting For The Right Atmosphere: TV Preferences Aligned With Emotions
Don’t grab that remote and switch to a documentary about kittens just yet. It turns out 49% of streaming pals are a bit picky – they’ll only tune into heavy or stressful shows when they’re in the “right mood.”
Like a buffet of emotions, our survey participants had their ultimate go-to shows for every vibe. Feeling like sunshine and rainbows yet?
In addition to “Grey’s Anatomy,” many also listed their favorite shows for different moods:
“Modern Family” has your back and will make you feel happier than a kid with an ice cream cone (at least 65% of the time).
But are you experiencing nostalgia more intensely than I am? Take a trip down memory lane with “Friends” – 38% of people reported feeling nostalgic after an episode.
THE MOST NOSTALGIC SHOWS
- Friends – 38%
- The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air – 37%
- Seinfeld – 36%
And for those adrenaline junkies who thrive on stress, “Breaking Bad” (one of my favorites) amps up the tension, causing 31% to feel like they’ve just run a marathon… in their minds!
THE MOST STRESSFUL SHOWS
- Breaking Bad – 31%
- Grey’s Anatomy – 23%
- Ozark – 21%
When Mood Dictates Your Watchlist
If you’re thinking, “Do my feelings control what I watch?” – you’re onto something! 81% of Americans admit that their mood dictates their TV choices. Your heart and mind have formed this intricate dance routine choreographed by your emotions.
And you may be surprised to learn that the dance doesn’t stop when the credits roll. On average, the emotional impact of what you watch lingers like the last bite of your favorite dessert for up to two hours!
THE MOST EMOTIONAL SHOWS
- Grey’s Anatomy – 40%
- This Is Us – 31%
- Sex & The City – 28%
Oh, and before you think that gender doesn’t play a role in this emotional chaos, think again. Men are the marathon emotional ones, feeling the effects of their viewing experiences for 144 minutes.
In contrast, ladies clock in at a mere 96 minutes. The guys have the endurance game on lock, and we’re not talking about marathons on the treadmill.
A DIY Prescription: Discovering The Remedy For Transforming Your Attitude
A study commissioned by the global streaming service Plex reveals our top remedy for a crummy day.
67% of us, yes, ( two-thirds of survey-takers), are wholeheartedly convinced that the solution to shaking off the blues involves nothing more than cozying up with a bowl of popcorn and our favorite comfort show or movie. Goodbye, doctor’s prescriptions, because we’ve got our very own prescription for ‘tude-transforming goodness!
In addition, 70% of the people surveyed could easily rattle off movie and TV titles that performed a day-saving magic trick. We’re talking about turning a “meh” day into happiness. Can I get a high-five for “Forrest Gump,” “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” and “Gilmore Girls“?
These shows don’t just entertain; they’re the secret weapon against grumpy gremlins!
THE HAPPIEST SHOWS
- Modern Family – 65%
- Friends – 61%
- The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air – 59%
TV Trials and Tribulations: Cautionary Tales Unveiled
Let’s venture into cautionary tales, shall we? 39% of respondents had their own stories to share, revealing movies and shows that dared to turn their sunshine-y days into drizzly downers. Who knew that “13 Reasons Why,” “Black Mirror,” and even the grand ol’ “Titanic” could leave us feeling gloomy?
Remember, guys, watch responsibly if you aim to keep that smile intact! From experience, I can attest to this as much as I enjoy “13 Reasons Why”; at times, it did depress my mood.
The Surprising Influence Of “Trainspotting” On Personal Change
Imagine a life changed by movies and shows! 37% of people had their lives turned upside down by films like “My Sister’s Keeper,” “Remember the Titans,” and even the bizarre classic “Trainspotting.”
It is clear how “Trainspotting” can profoundly impact drug users’ lives. When you change your life, you will be surprised at the results.
Meet Jason Williams, the Product Director at Plex, who says that the way movies and shows tango with our mood is nothing short of amazing. “In an era where endless, quality content is just a click away, we have the ability to easily find something to watch specifically based on our mood – and that’s pretty awesome.”
Nonetheless, who doesn’t love watching episodes, riding the ups and downs of emotions with your favorite characters? Two-thirds of Americans proudly confess their binge-watching habits. It’s a rollercoaster that leaves them with a grin from ear to ear. Satisfaction (57%)? Check! Happiness (54%)? Absolutely! Excitement (33%)? You know it!
But have you ever been so immersed in a show that you’re left in post-show confusion when it ends? 49% of us nod like, “Yeah, been there, done that.” It’s like being at the party of your life, and suddenly the music stops. Now what? The remote suddenly feels like a wand, but you’re not sure which spell to cast next.
Savoring TV Shows: More Than Just Watching
Some of you are head over heels in love with your favorite TV shows, and you’re not just watching them; you’re savoring them like a delicious piece of chocolate cake. In fact, 53% of us are guilty of stretching out our show-watching escapades to relish the goodness a little while longer.
What about some hysterical bedtime stories – no, not the fairy tale kind, but the kind that makes you snort with laughter into your pillow? According to this study, when it comes to the best genres to tuck yourself in with, comedy takes the crown at 52%. Because, after all, what’s better than a belly laugh before hitting the snooze button? And speaking of action (34%) and drama (33%), it looks like we’re all secretly addicted, wired, and intuitive people, getting our fix before we drift off into a deep sleep.
There’s a catch, however! Cue the spooky background music because horror (at 52%) is the bedtime villain we’re all trying to avoid. Nightmares are the worst! Suspense (32%) sneaks in with its nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat thrill, while true crime (29%) might have you staring at your ceiling, wondering if you locked the front door.
“It’s normal to have some emotional investment in what you watch,” continued Williams. “That’s why there’s so many of us that feel that post-binge funk or why we try to savor each episode in a series. In many ways, the moods we experience from watching certain shows or movies — be it a positive or negative mood — is something that we chase after.”
Survey Methodology:
Plex commissioned this random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 Americans who subscribe to streaming services between May 15 and May 21, 2023. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are the Market Research Society members and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).
