7 Reasons You Feel Sad When Your TV Show Ends.

Do you remember feeling sad after a TV show ends? How normal is it to be unhappy that a fictional story has ended? 

It would seem that this is just a TV series. However, the feeling of loss and regret in such a situation is quite natural. 

But why is this happening?

Is post-series depression real?

Maybe you will be surprised, but there is a psychological term: post-series depression.

We usually get very involved in the series. We watched, worried, reflected on every new episode of the series. Actual mental processes were taking place in our heads. After the end of the series, everything ends. You lose a part of yourself – the part that analyzed, worried about the characters, followed the plot.

In this article, I want to talk about whether it is normal to feel sad after a favorite show ends. And how to get rid of post-series depression. However, If you really want to understand your passion for the show, I suggest these film discussion questions for self-reflection.

Why do I feel sad after a show ends?

1. Inner emptiness or loss of meaning. 

In fact, this feeling is very familiar. It arises when a particular meaning of existence is lost. We got used to the storyline and characters. Even if the story is fictional, we are still emotionally involved in it. It evokes strong emotions in the fans.

A similar affection is shared by fans of sports teams who are infuriated by their teams’ poor performance.

I can’t imagine how many hearts were broken because of the sad and unexpected end of “Game of Thrones.”

2. Achievement of the goal. 

It is natural for a person to set goals, sometimes even unconsciously. For example, having devoted several years to watching our favorite TV series, we formally set ourselves the goal of watching it.

Even if this does not fill us with meaning or no longer causes emotional attachment, there is a goal, and its achievement can lead to a stupor – “What’s next?” As a result, we “catch” apathy, disappointment, and sadness at this moment.

3. Return to the real world.

Any movie is an immersion in another reality. Watching the series, we live with the characters in their world, and we partly feel like a different person.

It allows us to forget for a while about what is happening to us now. Such a switch allows abstracting from problems, rethinking them, and getting time to make an informed decision.

4. Violation of the usual routine/ritual.

Watching the series turns into a kind of ritual for many of us. For example, we sit in front of the screen with our favorite snacks or wrap yourselves in a blanket on the sofa.

Repeating from time to time, all these factors turn into something expected and desired. And when circumstances change, it unsettles us.

5. Lack of communication.

A series is often not just a movie from many episodes, as well as it is a whole universe. And, joining the fan community, we automatically find ourselves in a unique environment where an interest unites everyone in a common topic.

So this is an excellent opportunity to expand your circle of friends, make new friends, feel like a part of something bigger.

But, unfortunately, as soon as the series ends, the main reason for communication disappears. It is, of course, frustrating.

6. Lack of joyful anticipation.

The anticipation of watching the new episode adds strength and positive emotions. We are happy to imagine how we will get to the screen and turn on the continuation of our favorite series after the end of the working day.

What will happen next? How will events develop? What will the hero do in another problematic situation? We want to know all this, especially if the previous series ended at its peak.

A sense of joyful anticipation is crucial if there are not enough positive events in life.

7. Long series provides an opportunity to remember the past.

TV shows like Game of Thrones, which has been out since 2011 and was known for waiting several months for new episodes, can have an important place in viewers’ lives. It is a very long series.

We often start to wonder how our own lives have changed during the show. The series reminds you of how time flies and makes you remember the past.

What to do after the show ends?

1 The existential void is filled with everything that brings meaning to your life. It can be talking with friends, doing what you love, caring for yourself.

2 You can compensate for the loss of connection with the characters of the series by self-reflection. Why did you like this show? What new things did the heroes of the show teach you? Have you made discoveries for yourself?

3 Achieving one goal does not mean that we should not move on. Instead, we must set further goals to move forward. Look back, analyze the past path and outline further development.

4 It is always a good idea to take a break from tv after your series ends. Now you have extra free time and many opportunities to spend it. For example, cook something tasty, read a book or watch an educational webinar, meet friends or take a walk, etc.

5 Express your creativity. I’m a big fan of the TV series Tudors. And from time to time, I have visited the same fan page about Tudors for almost ten years now. Admins are still doing a great job of making that page interesting and useful. Wow!

You can create a meme, fan page, a poem. Use your energy to create something wonderful.

6 What to do after the show is over? Watch it again! We can rewatch our favorite episodes or even seasons. No rush and no pressure; set your schedule. Also, you can watch special episodes behind the scenes or actors’ interviews. It will cheer your mood for sure.

7 If you feel really sad and lonely. Try to understand that this sadness is, in principle, standard, but to a certain extent. You need to stay with it, let go of this conditional loss and take up further life.

Devastation is a separate issue and not equal to simple sadness, and maybe a signal that serials for you are not just a way to have fun, get emotions, etc., But it is an escape from some emptiness in life for a short while.

In this situation – the sequence is slightly different. Not the end of the series “causes” emptiness, but the involvement in the series – helps temporarily cover this emptiness.

Conclusion.

It’s okay to worry about the end of a series you’ve watched for many years. However, if you’re grieving, you need to figure out what role it played in your life. For example, if the show served a social function, you might find another reason to meet with friends regularly. Or start watching something different to become part of the community of fans of the new series again.

Sometimes recovering from so many hours spent watching all the episodes is not always easy. However, over time, the feeling of emptiness fades away, and thankfully there are plenty of other fantastic TV shows or fun things to do that you can switch to.

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