The All-Too-Common Trap: Obligation Binging
Here’s the mistake: choosing a show not because you want to watch it, but because you feel you should. This is ‘Obligation Binging,’ the act of treating television like homework. It’s powered by a nagging sense that to be culturally literate, you must
consume the shows everyone is talking about. You scroll past a fun-looking comedy to start a grim, seven-season drama with 25 nominations because it feels ‘important.’ The result is often a joyless slog. You might finish it just to say you did, but the experience is draining, not restorative. Entertainment becomes a task, and your precious downtime is spent servicing a cultural checklist instead of your own genuine interests.
The Psychology of ‘Should Watch TV’
Why do we fall into this trap? It’s a perfect storm of social pressure and modern media anxiety. In an era of constant online discourse, the fear of missing out (FOMO) is potent. You see the memes, the hot takes, and the office Slack chatter about a show like the much-nominated medical drama ‘The Pitt’ and feel left out. There’s also the ‘aspirational self’ at play—the person who effortlessly keeps up with every critically acclaimed series. We pick a show to project an image of being in-the-know. Streaming platforms, with their endless libraries, contribute to “choice paralysis,” where having too many options makes us default to the one with the most external validation—the biggest awards, the highest critical praise—rather than consulting our own taste.
Strategy 1: Follow the Actors, Not Just the Awards
Instead of starting with the Outstanding Drama or Comedy nominees, try a different entry point: find an actor you already love. Scan the nominations for familiar faces in less-publicized categories. Did a favorite character actor from an old sitcom pop up with a Guest Actor nomination? Follow them. For example, if you’ve always enjoyed Jeff Hiller’s work, his nomination for the new comedy ‘Widow's Bay’ could be your perfect entry point, regardless of whether the show is the year's biggest winner. This method anchors your choice in a known quantity. You’re not going in blind; you’re following a performer whose work you already trust to entertain you. It transforms the process from a gamble on hype to a safe bet on personal taste.
Strategy 2: Use the ‘One Episode’ Rule
Okay, so you still want to try that universally praised but potentially dense series. Fine. But give yourself an out. Commit to one episode, and one episode only. Don't think about the full season, the character arcs, or the 19 nominations it received. Just watch the pilot. At the end, ask yourself a simple question: Do I want to watch another one right now? If the answer is a resounding 'yes,' you’ve found a genuine match. If it’s a hesitant 'maybe' or a definite 'no,' drop it without guilt. A truly great show, no matter how complex, should offer a compelling hook in its first hour. If it feels like a chore from the start, it’s not for you, and no amount of awards can change that. There are dozens of other nominees waiting.
Strategy 3: Mine the 'Minor' Categories for Gold
The major series awards get all the attention, but the writing, directing, and creative arts categories are where you find hidden gems. A show might not have the budget or star power to compete for Outstanding Drama, but a nomination for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series or Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series signals a high level of craft. These are often the more daring, niche, and interesting shows that fly under the mainstream radar. For instance, the final season of a beloved show like 'Hacks' might dominate the headlines with its record-breaking nomination count, but a smaller show nominated for its cinematography or music might be the visually stunning masterpiece you're actually in the mood for. Check the full list of nominees, not just the top-line summary, to find a show that truly aligns with what you value in storytelling.
