Here’s why you grieve the end of a TV show

Saying goodbye is never easy, and that includes saying goodbye to your favorite TV show.

A study published in the journal PLOS One revealed viewers experienced intense distress over the end of the popular Australian television series “Neighbors.” Participants’ emotions ranged from feelings of grieving a loved one to momentary sadness. Those who had a strong connection to the show or its characters experienced the most grief.

“When you engage with media, you can develop a parasocial relationship,” explains Dr. Tabatha Greene, a psychologist at Advocate Health Care. “These are one-sided bonds with a celebrity, sports team or fictional character. Parasocial relationships are especially prevalent now with increased access to social media and entertainment.”

You may feel a strong sense of identity with or connection to the figure, Dr. Greene adds. Parasocial relationships form through repeated interactions, just as any real-life friendship. But just as in real life, those relationships can end too.

“Humans are wired for connection. Books or movies can fulfill that need to some extent,” Dr. Greene says. “When the connection ends, we grieve. Grief looks different for everyone, including when grieving the end of a show or a fictional character.”

According to the study, these factors can influence the intensity of your grief:

• Viewing motives, such as enjoyment, self-reflection or emotional release
• Connection to the series and its fanbase
• Parasocial relationships with the characters
• Tendency to empathize with others

“Almost everyone has some kind of parasocial relationship, though the strength of the perceived bond varies,” Dr. Greene says.

According to Dr. Greene, parasocial relationships can:

• Ease loneliness
• Foster positive behavior
• Strengthen real-life connections with other fans
• Validate personal experiences

However, parasocial relationships can become detrimental.

“They can’t replace face-to-face connection with others entirely. Prolonged feelings of loneliness can be a sign of a larger concern,” Dr. Greene advises. “You should speak to a mental health professional if a parasocial relationship starts to feel overwhelming or replace your real-life relationships.”

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