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When a popular series ends, you can often hear from its fans how hard and sad they are because the story they have been following for years has come to an end. Why are there such strong emotions?
Isn’t it strange to grieve over the fact that a fictional story has ended? Lisa Williams, a social worker and founder of a grief website, says that although the end of a movie or TV series is not like the death of a loved one, many people still experience a sense of bitter loss, which is normal. “When we can no longer enjoy a work of art or entertainment, we feel a loss. It’s a natural reaction,” she explains. And that’s why.
1. We become attached to the story and characters.
The most obvious reason is that we’ve grown accustomed to the storyline and characters. “Even if the story is fictional, we are still emotionally involved in it. We care about what happens to the characters and how it ends,” explains psychologist Brian Kong. Therefore, many exchange opinions about the plot and the actions of the characters. Especially strongly we become attached to long series and heroes that cause nostalgia.
As an example, he cites the fifth episode of the final season of the Game of Thrones (and, in particular, the decision made by Daenerys Targaryen), which many viewers did not like, and the trailer for the Sonic Movie movie – many fans of this computer game character were dissatisfied his outward appearance.
“The audience is strongly attached to the characters, it begins to seem to them that they belong to them. Hence the opinions arise: “Sonic should not look like this!” and “This is completely out of line with Daenerys’ previous character development!”. This causes strong emotions among fans, ”says the expert. He believes that viewers have the right to share opinions and ratings, positive and negative.” A similar attachment is experienced by celebrity fans and sports team fans who are infuriated by the bad performance of idols.
2. Helps to escape reality for a while
Psychotherapists Kristen Diu and Anna Zapata host the Mass Culture Therapists podcast, which discusses how movies and TV shows portray mental health issues. In their opinion, for many, the series is a way of temporary escape from the real world.
“He helps to get away from problems. At the time of viewing, we can afford not to think about anything. The thought of having to go back to the real world can be scary,” explains Diu.
The series also gives us something that we look forward to every week, and with the end of it, we lose it. “In certain life circumstances, this can be especially important for us,” says Lisa Williams. And when we lose something important, it is normal to experience strong emotions. But if TV shows or other forms of entertainment begin to replace real relationships, it’s time to rethink their role in life.
3. Long series provide an opportunity to remember the past
Shows like Game of Thrones, which has been on the air since 2011 and has been known for having to wait months for new episodes, can hold an important place in viewers’ lives. “This is a very long series. Often we begin to wonder how our own lives have changed during the show, ”explains Lisa Williams.
Brian Kong says that in eight years (Game of Thrones was so long), as well as in seven (Veep) or five (Breaking Bad) a lot can change. If something stays the same all the time (such as a TV series), it helps to make sense of change. “The series reminds how time flies and makes you remember the past,” says Kong.
4. The usual ritual of watching a series is missing
We get used to watching our favorite series in the same company or setting, while eating snacks. “For viewers, it becomes a ritual, and when the series ends, it is not enough,” says Zapata.
We get used to discussing new episodes with friends or colleagues, after the show ends, these conversations may not be enough. “For viewers, it’s a collective experience. It’s like following a major sports championship or flying to the moon. After watching, it’s nice to discuss what you see, argue, share theories, ”adds Brian Kong.
While it’s okay to worry about the end of a show you’ve been watching for years, if you’re truly grieving, you need to figure out what role it played in your life. If he served a social function, you may find another reason to meet up with friends regularly. Or start watching something else to become part of the community of fans of the new series again.