How to Obsessively Watch a Show

By Lev Novak

I watched Lost. That gives me a leg up on the new wave of first-time obsessionals, the same way shows like the X-Files gave a head-start on watchers of Lost to the previous generation.

But now we’re in another age of Fandom. House of Cards and True Detective amongst others require attention, dedication, theories, and, especially for the previous, a rigorous exercise in properly avoiding spoilers.

So, what do you do?

1. Find a Watching Partner

Ideally, this should be someone in person, but a blog or website companion can help.

Why? Because you’re going to want to talk or listen or think about this show. Unlike a simple comedy, these obsessional shows take you further and farther into them and beyond the hour you actually spent watching them. Ideally, this obsession will make boring things less boring, and work as a fun time-filler. At its worst, it can keep you from doing other things as effectively, but hey, that’s a risk you run with Facebook. There are worse things.

Still, you need a watching partner to maximize how that time is spent. Talking out your ideas and theories with a friend in person or even online can help you figure out what’s going on in the show, but more importantly, it’s fun. You put in the time to watch, to care, and to think about the show- now is your performance. Call things out and get the joy of being publicly right. Watch a show with a friend to turn an anti-social indulgence into a win/win and the highlight of your week! Adding a new person can change the whole activity.

2. No Spoilers

They are easy and tempting, but don’t give in.

I know you want more of the show, but the Spoiler will give you a cheap, quick thrill that will ruin much of the well-worn suspense built up naturally. A spoiler isn’t the worst thing, of course, and it’s worth watching even a spoiled show, but c’mon: this is a no brainer. Why would you forfeit the show in advance for a cheap, quick boost now that you can’t even tell anyone?

No spoilers. I’m looking at you, Game of Thrones guys. I know how easy they are for you especially, but it’s watching things play out that makes it so cool. That and Tyrion. And the dragons, I guess, and the sex: okay, whatever- even spoiled or read, its worth watching. But if for some reason you haven’t, at least read the books. Googling the answers will only spoiler two things (the show and the books both) at once.

3. Line Up The Next

Only two episodes of True Detective left. But if you haven’t watched Breaking Bad, or The Wire, or House of Cards you’ve still got quite a bit of life left in you.

Good stuff is good. Remember that when you think you’ve run out of your cult. More are around, yo.

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