As you get older...do you find it harder to "get into" or even want to watch completely new tv series or films?

[Graphista]

Admittedly I'm feeling somewhat restless and going through some stuff generally.

Currently housebound and so watching a lot of tv/streaming.

But I have noticed in last few years I have become increasingly reluctant to watch completely new tv series or films. Being far more likely to watch shows and films I am already familiar, and comfortable with where I know the characters and that the content/subject matter is predictable and not offensive or irritating to me.

If I do try something new it will be something that's been recommended by someone I know has similar tastes to me or knows my likes and dislikes, usually with actors I know and like, or new films that are part of a franchise I already know I like (this tactic doesn't always pan out)

So I was just wondering if it's just me? Should I try to get out of this "rut" (with paying for streaming services I sometimes feel guilty that I'm somehow not fully getting the best out of them? - but then I think why should I feel guilty for watching what I like?)

I have so many films on my "queues" that are more films I think I should watch or that I was seduced by a trailer or something but actually I'm unlikely to watch for various reasons - most commonly though because I'm worried they would be too upsetting/disturbing to watch or would require a level of concentration I'm struggling to achieve at the moment (partly meds, partly mh issues)

Can anyone relate?

Yes, I am definitely finding this. I think it’s because it’s mainly aimed at younger viewers, not my age group.

Also, so much of it is American. I don’t know why, but I just can’t get into American shows as easily as European ones, and I find that I often can’t make out the dialogue as the actors mumble so much.

. Looking for something to watch on stream last night and said to my daughter I've seen the first ten minutes of most of these offerings. If it doesn't engage my attention by then, it's out. My tolerance is increasingly low. Agree about Breaking Bad though, gripped.

How old are you, OP?

I have this to a certain extent, too, but it’s worse for books and reading than tv. I used to be an avid reader but can hardly concentrate on books now.
Whilst I agree internet and screens may be the cause, I also think that the perimenopause has something to do with it (for me, at any rate).

When I see new tv or films I can’t be bothered to focus. And if I do try, I’m hypercritical of the acting, plot... everything. So it has to be brilliant for me to be able to persevere.

Not me. I'm as internet addicted as the next person, but I'm just as capable of concentrating as I always was tbh. I love watching old favourites but also get excited about new things. Sure, I'll quit them if I find they aren't any good, but that rarely happens.

I find that I have less tolerance. And I don't think it's age, it's just that there is SO much to watch compared with my youth when there were 4 channels and that was it.

I love looking out new stuff on Netflix but if it hasn't grabbed me after the first episode, I won't watch the next.

I'm completely the opposite. I crave new and innovative shows, drama especially. My heart sinks when yet another remake is announced. I want new stuff.

This is me too. Partly down to not being able to dedicate the head space to something new that will probably start off good then be dragged out until it becomes utter crap (Dexter) and because nothing now seems truly new.

Crappy re-makes like Charmed or things where you know exactly what is going to happen because you've seen the same thing over and over again.

I too can no longer tolerate suffering and violence series after series. Started Killing Eve, which seems great, but after 4 episodes I just can't be arsed.

I will watch the new series of stranger things though. I love the whole nostalgia feel of it. Like comfort food.

Totally what @Bedsidedrawer said. In my case, phone addiction makes it too easy to give up quickly and find something else that will entertain me.

We went through a phase of watching the scandi crime shows and we loved them! I swear it's because we were forced to put our phones down to read the subtitles and therefore just got more into them

NiLun, I find this too. I was one of those people who always had several books on the go and now I have a pile of unread books. I miss reading, always my preference, but can't maintain interest. I'd like to think its because I'm more selective but it's really the beginning of a cognitive deterioration, I think. Oh, what fun it is getting older

I won't watch anything that uses graphic violence against women as entertainment. Absolutely refuse point blank if rape is involved in any way.

That cuts out a lot of television. But then, I've been questioning if I even should be slumped in front of the TV as much as I have been anyway!

Having said that, the one thing I completely loved was Breaking Bad (I discovered it very late) It didn’t disappoint at all and I felt quite lost for something as good to watch when we finished it.

Better Call Saul! I watched it straight after finishing BB. Some say it’s too slow but I actually like it even more than BB and can’t wait for the next series (I do have an inappropriate crush on Saul though, which helps).

So glad I'm not the only one!

I've recently turned 47 so on the downhill stretch to 50 (and I found turning 40 hard enough!)

I'm definitely less tolerant on this kinda thing, also tired of same plots rehashed with different characters (it's why I stopped watching soaps!)

Far more demanding in terms of quality I think.

@Bedsidedrawer god this is me! Made particularly bad whilst I'm on mat leave. I'm trying to leave my phone alone for set periods now.
To answer the OP, I usually have to give things a few episodes to decide if I like them. I can't get into anything with too many characters or too complex a plot but I have a poorly sleeping 9 month old so blame the tiredness! Game of Thrones is one we abandoned after a few episodes cos I kept asking DH what was happening and if we knew that character

I’m the same age as you, and I’m the same. I just can’t be bothered with things if they feel like a rehash of something I’ve seen before. I’ve watched the first episodes of countless things, decided they’re very meh and given up.

I do actually like the darker programs and films though, especially the supernatural one, for some reason I find them the opposite of stressful. Possibly because they’re so far removed from my real life.