Don’t feel bad about bingeing TV. Humans have binged stories for thousands of years

This article explores the phenomenon of binge-watching, arguing that it is not a recent behaviour but rather a continuation of humanity's long-standing engagement with immersive storytelling. Tracing the practice from ancient oral traditions to the rise of written literature, serialised novels, and visual media such as cinema and television, the article demonstrates how humans have always sought to consume narratives in a continuous manner. The article also examines the psychological aspects of bingeing, including the release of dopamine and the desire for narrative closure, while discussing how modern feelings of guilt around binge-watching reflect changing societal values toward leisure and productivity. Ultimately, it suggests that bingeing has deep historical roots and should be understood as a timeless human tendency.