Make sure you’ve got enough in your internet data plan to withstand the binge. Before I upgraded, I’d always get a warning notice after a couple of Netflix sessions. (If you’re streaming, make sure you turn off the “high-definition” option if you don’t have unlimited bandwidth.)
Don’t give away spoilers on social media. Your friends will hate you if you do. On the other hand, your pals on social media can alert you to key episodes (“It gets good in episode 4. Keep watching!”).
Take breaks that go beyond hitting the pause button and visiting the washroom or fridge. A quick walk around the block to clear your head will energize you for that next episode. The show will still be there when you get back.
If you’re renting from a store, make sure you study the total running time of each season. A 10- or 13-episode cable series is way easier to polish off in a week than a 24-episode network program. Beware of fines: they’re higher for box sets.
While you’re at the store, make sure it has later seasons. You may speed through what you’re watching and need a fix quickly. Alternatively, ask your friends if they have box sets, just in case.
After a bunch of episodes of an older show, read recaps to get another perspective or to clear up any questions you have about who did or said what.
If you’re watching on DVD or Blu-ray, take time to check out the mini-docs or the commentary tracks on favourite episodes. You’ll learn tons of handy geek-approved info, not the least of which is which American-sounding actor has a foreign accent!
Don’t stream TV at work. It’s tacky.
Don’t talk only about the show you’ve been watching. Read a book. Go see a movie. Follow an election that’s not on House Of Cards.
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