Feeling lonely while mourning the end of your favorite TV series? A study suggests that it's perfectly normal.

A study found that breaking up with a favorite television show is difficult.

The cancellation of "Neighbours," an Australian soap opera series that ran for 37 years, sparked outrage among its devoted followers.

Viewers reported feeling grief as though they had lost a dear friend after being surveyed.

A study was launched by Dr. Adam Gerace, a senior psychology lecturer at Central Queensland University in Australia, to better comprehend the factors that provoked the fans' intense emotions.

According to Gerace, who spoke to Planet Chronicle Digital, we often experience a sense of loss when our favorite TV shows end because we develop emotional connections with the characters.

"The conclusion of a series or the demise of a beloved character frequently leads to feelings of sadness and disbelief, as if a significant relationship is coming to an end in one's life."

The research was published in the journal PLOS One on June 12.

Understanding ‘parasocial relationships’

The phenomenon where viewers develop a one-sided connection with the characters in their favorite show is known by psychologists as a "parasocial relationship."

Breakup distress is most strongly predicted by the intensity of parasocial relationships, according to previous research.

Gerace, the researcher, enlisted fans of "Neighbours" living in Australia and the U.K. to express their opinions on the show's ending.

He shared with Planet Chronicle Digital that he surveyed fans about their emotions related to the series, the reasons for watching it, their feelings towards their favorite characters, and how they were able to mourn the end of the series.

Out of the 1,289 survey participants, 76% were female and their average age was 45.

Most of them watched the show alone and viewed an average of five episodes per week.

Those who were more committed to the series experienced greater sadness, disbelief, and downheartedness, according to Gerace.

"We often feel a sense of loss when our favorite television series ends because we form relationships with our favorite characters."

Although the viewers were surprised that the show ended, they expressed gratitude for having experienced it.

He explained that they watched it for entertainment and excitement, as it is a drama serial or soap opera, and to consider social issues and be exposed to lifestyles and situations they may not encounter in their everyday world.

Individuals who formed deeper bonds with their favorite characters felt more intense sorrow and a heightened sense of loss.

A 'virtual friend group’

Dr. Pamela Rutledge, director of the Media Psychology Research Center in Newport Beach, California, stated to Fox Digital News that the study reflects the effects she anticipates from regular viewers of a long-running series.

Rutledge was not involved in the study.

She said that shows like "Neighbours" create a "virtual friend group," similar to the ensemble casts in "Friends," "The Office," and "Cheers," and how fans felt when those shows ended.

"Some people find a show … more gratifying than an unsatisfactory job or unreliable friendship."

Gerace agreed, stating that the emotions of sadness and loss experienced by these viewers are likely to be shared by others who watch TV shows, movies, and read books.

It's understandable if you felt sad and downhearted at the end of 'Lost' or 'Game of Thrones' or are dreading the end of 'Yellowstone.'

Positive effects of parasocial relationships

Rutledge highlighted in an email that most studies show that parasocial relationships positively impact positive emotions, sense of belonging, mindset, and social skills.

People can now revisit shows that have ended through streaming, providing comfort in seeing "old friends" during challenging times.

During the pandemic, 'The Office' and 'Friends' were the most-streamed shows because they provided a sense of belonging and connection, decreasing loneliness, according to Rutledge.

Numerous programs not only amuse but also assist individuals in managing their personal journeys.

Rutledge stated that viewers can derive significance and acquire knowledge from the storylines and connections that resonate with their own experiences, including comprehending their own emotions and coping with specific difficulties and life decisions.

"An unsatisfactory job or unreliable friendship may be less fulfilling for some individuals than a show."

The cancellation of a show can elicit different reactions from viewers based on their personal situations.

Rutledge stated that parasocial relationships can be linked to characters, where individuals strongly identify with them and experience the show through them, or they can have a sense of immersion in the show without losing their sense of self.

The study has several limitations, Gerace acknowledged.

The survey's respondents, who identified as "big fans" of the show, were not assessed on how their sense of grief evolved over time.

Gerace stated that his sample consisted of viewers who were highly invested in the series. It is likely that more casual viewers would have had less negative reactions to the series' conclusion.

Look for ‘new psychological adventures’

Experts agreed that people should not feel embarrassed about experiencing feelings of loss or distress after their favorite show ends.

Rutledge stated that reflecting on the show's impact and acknowledging its positive contributions to one's life can offer some insight and acceptance.

Another way to cope with loss is to bond with fellow fans on social media by sharing our grief and exchanging favorite moments or characters.

Rutledge stated that while nothing can compare to the comfort, familiarity, and emotional engagement of the old show, dwelling on the past for an extended period is not healthy.

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"Reflecting on the missed show and considering what you cherished can aid a fan in discovering new characters and plotlines that generate fresh psychological journeys."