A recent survey has revealed a hidden habit among British couples that has left many feeling “betrayed.” More than half of the respondents admitted to being “TV cheats,” secretly watching entire series without their partner’s knowledge. The study, conducted with 2,000 TV-loving couples, found that a significant 86% of participants had to rewatch episodes to cover up their sneaky viewing habits, leaving their unsuspecting partners clueless.
On average, these “TV cheats” endured four episodes in silence, pretending to watch for the first time when catching up with their partners later. Popular shows like Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, and The Day of the Jackal were among the top series cited as being secretly watched behind partners’ backs. Surprisingly, 76% of respondents admitted to sneakily watching the next episode of a shared series and 43% even confessed to watching a series finale without their partner’s knowledge.
However, the consequences of this betrayal were not always smooth sailing. The survey revealed that 35% of “TV cheats” accidentally dropped spoilers during conversations about episodes they were not supposed to have seen, while 39% were caught midway through an episode they were sneaking. This led to mixed reactions from partners, with one in five demanding an explanation and 17% feeling genuinely betrayed by their significant other’s actions.
Conversely, 27% of participants reported being on the receiving end of TV betrayal, where their partners watched shows without them. For those tempted to join the ranks of sneaky binge-watchers, platforms like Sky Glass or Sky Stream offer the convenience of saying “Just one more episode” to discover engaging series worthy of a marathon viewing session.
Jamie Morris from Sky emphasized the abundance of gripping content available for viewers, acknowledging the addictive nature of great shows. He highlighted the vast selection of series, both new and iconic, that can be enjoyed without resorting to watching behind one’s partner’s back. The study sheds light on the intricate dynamics of modern relationships and the evolving nature of entertainment consumption among couples.
As technology continues to shape how we watch TV and interact with media, the issue of TV cheating in relationships brings to the forefront the need for open communication and shared experiences. With streaming services providing a plethora of options for entertainment, it’s essential for couples to navigate these choices together to avoid feelings of betrayal and ensure mutual enjoyment of their favorite shows.