Why we love to binge-watch shows

We’ve all been there — promising ourselves we’ll stop after just one more episode, only to look up hours later with half a season behind us. With endless streaming options and entire seasons available at our fingertips, watching multiple episodes in one sitting feels like second nature. But why exactly do we love to binge-watch ... 

But what exactly makes us love it so much?

The brain on binge mode

One big reason is simple: it feels good. 

When we’re engaged in something enjoyable (like watching our favourite drama, comedy, or reality show) the brain releases dopamine, a chemical linked to pleasure and reward. 

According to clinical psychologist Dr. Renee Carr, “You experience a pseudo-addiction to the show because you develop cravings for dopamine… Your body does not discriminate against pleasure. It can become addicted to any activity or substance that consistently produces dopamine.” 

So in reality, it’s not just the show we’re drawn to — it’s the rush we feel while watching it.

That natural high helps explain why 73% of Netflix users say they felt good while binge-watching. In another survey, 76% of people said watching multiple episodes back-to-back gave them a welcome escape from the chaos of everyday life.

A national habit

If you’re a Canadian who loves to binge-watch, you’re far from alone. 

Research shows that over 50% of Canadians have binge-watched a show in the past year. More than half say they binge monthly, and for 15%, it’s a daily habit. Younger Canadians, especially those between 18 and 34, are the most likely to binge, with 72% of that age group indulging regularly. (60% of those 35 to 49 indulge regularly, 54% of those 50 to 64 and 41% of those over 65.)

Interestingly, while services like Netflix and Prime Video dominate in popularity, it’s actually Crave and Disney+ subscribers who are the most dedicated binge-watchers. And while both men and women enjoy this viewing style, men edge out slightly in the likelihood of going on longer viewing streaks.

The dark side of steaming

Turns out all this easy access to entertainment comes with a few caveats. 

For one, binge-watching can mess with your sleep schedule. A study found that a quarter of all viewers admit feeling frustrated when they sacrifice sleep to keep watching. This frustration was even more prominent with Gen Z viewers with nearly a third feeling it. 

Missing bedtimes might feel like no big deal in the moment, but it can lead to irritability, fatigue, and poor next-day performance.

Binge watching has also been shown to lead to mental health problems. Some studies have linked excessive binge-watching to symptoms of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and even insomnia. 

These negative effects are more likely when binge-watching becomes habitual and replaces meaningful social interactions or physical activity. In fact, people who binge frequently may have poorer impulse control, making it harder to stop even when they want to. 

Physical health isn’t off the hook either … slumping into your couch for hours can do a number on your spine. Poor posture while watching can lead to back pain and other musculoskeletal problems over time.

The bright side: Benefits of binge-watching (in small doses)

Believe it or not, when done mindfully, a little binge-watching now and then can be good for you. 

Here’s why kicking back with a few episodes (not the whole season) can actually be a positive thing:

Stress Relief & Escapism: Life is hectic — and sometimes, diving into a fictional world can be a helpful way to decompress. Engaging in a show you love can lower stress levels and give your brain a break from real-life worries.

Bonding with Others: Watching a series together (either in person or virtually) can be a great way to connect with friends, family, or partners. Shared storylines spark conversation, inside jokes, and create a sense of community.

A Boost of Dopamine:  As mentioned earlier, watching an exciting or satisfying story releases dopamine — the "feel-good" chemical. In small doses, this can help elevate your mood and provide a temporary mental lift.

Creative Inspiration: Immersing yourself in compelling stories, characters, and visuals can fire up your imagination. Many creators — from writers to designers — find inspiration in high-quality television.

Sense of Accomplishment: Oddly enough, finishing a show (especially a limited series or something you’ve been meaning to watch) can bring a sense of closure or achievement. It’s entertainment with a finish line — unlike endless scrolling.

Encourages Routine: When you give yourself permission to binge-watch as a planned part of your week (say, a Friday night wind-down), it can serve as a healthy reward system — something to look forward to without overdoing it.

Tips for managing binge-watching

While binge-watching can be fun and relaxing, too much of it can interfere with your sleep, mood, productivity, and even your physical health. If you find yourself saying “just one more episode” a little too often, here are some simple tips to help keep your streaming habits in check:

• Set a Time Limit: Decide in advance how long you’ll watch, and stick to it. Use a timer or set an alarm to remind yourself when it’s time to stop.
  
• Watch with a Purpose: Instead of mindlessly letting episodes autoplay, go in with a plan. Choose one or two episodes and commit to stopping when they’re done.
  
• Disable Autoplay: Most streaming platforms allow you to turn off the "next episode" feature. Removing that temptation makes it easier to step away.
  
• Create a Cut-Off Ritual: Build a habit that signals it’s time to stop watching — like brushing your teeth, prepping for the next day, or switching to a calming activity like reading or stretching.
  
• Don’t Watch in Bed: Keep screens out of your sleeping space if possible. Watching from the couch or a designated space helps you separate entertainment from rest.
  
• Balance with Other Activities: Make time in your week for social outings, exercise, or hobbies. The more fulfilled you are in other areas of life, the less likely you’ll be to escape into endless episodes.
  
• Use the Buddy System: Watching with a friend or partner can help keep things in check. It’s easier to stick to one or two episodes when someone else is counting on you to pause.

Remember, it’s not about cutting TV out completely — it’s about finding a balance so that your screen time enhances your life, rather than taking over it.

Balancing the binge

The truth is, binge-watching isn’t all bad. It provides joy, relaxation, and a sense of escape. But as with most pleasures, moderation is key. 

But being aware of how much you're watching and how it impacts your sleep, mood, and overall health is an important step in keeping your viewing habits in check.

So go ahead — enjoy your weekend marathon of that new series everyone’s talking about. Just maybe stand up and stretch between episodes … and try not to hit “next episode” every time.