Sarah: So, what have you been watching lately? I’m obsessed with (1) this new show. You have to check it out!

Emily: Oh, you know me. I can’t stand TV. It’s just… such a time vacuum (2). Hours gone, and for what? A plot twist I’ll forget by tomorrow?

Sarah: Time vacuum? Come on! It’s more like a time investment (3). You learn so much! The writing, the acting, the cinematography—it’s like stepping into another world.

Emily: Another world or just an escape from this one? I feel like TV dulls the mind (4). It’s all formulaic (5), rinse-and-repeat (6) stuff. After one episode, you’ve practically seen them all.

Sarah: That’s where you’re wrong. There’s a vast difference between binge-worthy (7) TV and filler (8). Some shows are basically literature on screen! Ever watched a show that made you question everything? It’s a real experience.

Emily: Yeah, but it’s always the same formula. A cliffhanger (9) here, a dramatic pause there. I’d rather read a book or take a walk—something that actually engages my brain (10).

Sarah: Oh, but TV can do that too! Some shows are like puzzles, piecing together clues over episodes. And don’t even get me started on documentaries. You can learn about anything, from ancient history to space exploration.

Emily: Documentaries, maybe. But the rest? It’s just noise (11). I don’t want to get sucked into (12) a series, only to find out they cancel it after one season!

Sarah: True, that’s the risk. But for the ones that stick (13), it’s so worth it. The characters feel like old friends, the stories stay with you. TV is storytelling at its finest!

Emily: To each their own, I guess. I just can’t see the appeal of zoning out in front of a screen (14). It’s all a bit mind-numbing (15) to me.

Sarah: I get it. But sometimes zoning out is exactly what we need. A little escape (16), a good laugh or cry (17). It’s like a reset button for the brain (18).

Emily: I’ll take a real-world reset any day. But hey, if it works for you, who am I to judge?

Sarah: Fair enough! Next time you’re feeling adventurous, though, I’ll have a list of shows ready. You might be surprised!

1. to be obsessed with something – to be consumed, captivated by something: I am obsessed with the latest reality show, watching every episode twice.
2. a time vacuum – a situation/activity that consumes a lot of time without producing much value: Watching that series felt like a time vacuum; I lost hours without realizing it.
3. a time investment – dedicating time to watch TV shows or movies with the expectation that it will yield benefits (opposite: time vacuum): Watching that critically acclaimed series was a significant time investment – I learned so much! ❕Note that typically a time investment would mean something slightly different – the amount of time dedicated to an activity, often implying that the time spent is worthwhile. Watching that critically acclaimed series was a significant time investment (= commitment), but the rich storytelling and complex characters made every episode worthwhile.
4. to dull the mind – to make the mind less alert or engaged, often due to repetitive or mindless activities: Binge-watching shows late into the night can dull the mind, making it hard to concentrate the next day.
5. formulaic /ˌfɔːrmjuˈleɪɪk/ = predictable, clichéd: Many sitcoms feel formulaic, using the same jokes and storylines in every episode.
6. rinse-and-repeat = repetitive: The show’s rinse-and-repeat plot made it hard to stay engaged after a few episodes.
7. binge-worthy = captivating, addictive: That new drama is definitely binge-worthy; I couldn’t stop watching after the first episode.
8. filler – content in a TV show that is added to extend the series but lacks substance or significance: The last season had a lot of filler episodes that didn’t contribute to the main storyline.
9. cliffhanger – a dramatic ending to an episode that leaves viewers in suspense, encouraging them to watch the next installment: The season finale ended on a cliffhanger, making fans desperate for the next season.
10. to engage the brain = to stimulate the brain: Documentaries often engage the brain more than typical reality shows.
11. noise – content that is distracting or unimportant: Most reality shows feel like empty noise that doesn’t really engage my mind.
12. to get sucked into something – to become deeply engrossed or captivated by some content: I didn’t intend to watch the entire season, but I got sucked into the series and stayed up all night.
13. to stick – to remain popular and continue to be aired: While many shows come and go, a few really stick with audiences, becoming cultural phenomena that fans talk about for years.
14. to zone out in front of a screen – to lose focus or become disengaged while watching television, often to the point of not actively thinking: After a long day, I often zone out in front of the screen, letting the show wash over me.
15. mind-numbing – extremely boring or lacking in mental engagement: Some reality shows are so mind-numbing that I can hardly remember what I just watched.
16. escape – a means of getting away from a place or situation, often to avoid stress, problems, or reality: Watching a movie or reading a book can be seen as an escape from everyday life.
17. a good laugh/cry – enjoyment or emotional release experienced through comedy or drama: That comedy gave me a good laugh, while the drama series provided a good cry at the end.
18. a reset button for the brain – a mental refresh: Watching a lighthearted show can act as a reset button for the brain after a stressful week.

A drama is a genre of television show, film, or theater that focuses on serious, emotional, or complex storylines, often involving character development and conflict. Dramas can explore a wide range of themes, including personal relationships, social issues, and moral dilemmas.

❗A series, on the other hand, refers to a format where a story is told over multiple episodes or seasons. A series can be a drama, comedy, documentary, or any other genre.