Encountering nostalgia is like autoloading and hitting play on past positive experiences, elevating desire and regulating mood

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How often do you find yourself hitting “play” on an old favourite, reliving the same TV episodes you’ve seen before – or even know by heart?

I’m a chronic rewatcher. Episodes of sitcoms such as Blackadder (1983–89), Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013–21), Doc Martin (2004–22) and The Office US (2005–13) – a literal lifetime of TV favourites – are usually dependable in times of stress.