When it comes to special interests and autism, there’s something deeply comforting about watching the same TV shows and movies over and over again. It’s not just about entertainment—it’s about familiarity, predictability, and the joy of immersing yourself in something that feels safe and known.
Today’s blog prompt got me thinking: Is there a show or movie that I’ve watched more than five times? For me, there isn’t just one—there are many!
The Childhood Obsession: Annie
As a child, I was completely obsessed with Annie. I watched it so many times that I knew every single word, every single song, every single moment. It wasn’t just a film to me; it was a world I could escape into. I would happily watch it two or three times a day, much to the amusement (and eventual frustration) of my parents.
Then, one day, it was gone.
Back in the days of VHS tapes, my parents accidentally (or at least, that’s what they said at the time) recorded over it. I was devastated. I can still remember the moment I realised Annie was lost forever—at least until DVDs and streaming services came along years later!
Finding Comfort in Repetition
As an adult, my special interest shows have changed, but the comfort of repetition has stayed the same. Shows like Charmed, Friends, and The Big Bang Theory have been my go-to series for years. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve rewatched them.
Looking back, I now realise why I was drawn to them so intensely. The Big Bang Theory, for example, resonated with me beyond just the geeky references. It reflected so many autistic traits—especially in Sheldon Cooper. His need for structure, his difficulty understanding social nuances, and his hyperfixation on his interests all felt incredibly relatable.
And Friends? Well, that show gave me a sense of belonging. Even if the characters had their own ups and downs, they always had each other. It created this illusion of a tight-knit group where you could be yourself and still be accepted. When I was younger, I struggled to feel like I truly belonged anywhere, and Friends was a comforting reminder that it was possible.
The Science Behind Special Interests
For many autistic people, special interests go beyond hobbies—they’re lifelines. Engaging with them can bring a sense of calm, excitement, and mastery. Research has even shown that special interests help reduce anxiety and provide a sense of stability in a world that often feels unpredictable.
TV shows and movies, in particular, provide a controlled environment. Unlike real-life social interactions, there are no surprises. You know what’s coming, and that predictability is soothing. It’s why so many autistic people rewatch the same things over and over again.
Why It’s Not “Just TV”
To some, watching the same series repeatedly might seem like a waste of time. But for those of us who thrive on special interests, it’s so much more. It’s self-care. It’s regulation. It’s joy.
Even now, when life feels overwhelming, I turn to Friends or Charmed because they feel like home. They bring back the comfort of knowing exactly what’s going to happen, and that’s something my autistic brain craves.
So, if you find yourself rewatching the same show for the tenth time, don’t feel guilty about it. Embrace it. It’s not just about nostalgia—it’s about finding comfort in a world that sometimes feels chaotic.
What shows or movies have you watched more than five times? Let’s talk about our special interests in the comments!
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What movies or TV series have you watched more than 5 times?
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