Can binge-watching Netflix actually make your relationship stronger? Here's what experts say

Streaming television together may be doing more for relationships than simply filling free time. According to a study conducted by psychologists from the United States, United Kingdom and Canada, couples who share television shows, movies and books may experience stronger relationship bonds, particularly if they do not share many friends in real life.

The findings were published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships after researchers surveyed more than 250 students who were in romantic relationships, per a report by TIME.

Shared stories may strengthen connections

For the study, participants completed questionnaires about their relationships and media habits. Researchers then examined whether shared entertainment preferences were linked to relationship quality.

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The results suggested that couples who enjoyed the same TV shows, films or books reported greater intimacy and confidence in their relationships. Interestingly, the effect was especially noticeable among partners who did not have many mutual friends.

Per TIME, researchers believe shared fictional worlds can provide a sense of connection that often comes from having overlapping social circles.

More than just spending time together

The team also looked at whether the findings could simply be explained by couples spending more time together while watching television or reading.

However, lead author Sarah Gomillion said that was not the case.

“We found that sharing media had an independent effect,” Gomillion told Health in an email.

Even after accounting for the amount of time partners spent together, the link between shared entertainment and relationship satisfaction remained.

Why fictional characters can matter

According to Gomillion, having mutual friends can help couples feel closer and may even contribute to relationship stability.

“Having a shared circle of friends can make couples feel closer and can even protect them from breaking up,” Gomillion explained to Health.

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When couples lack those shared friendships, common connections with fictional characters may serve a similar purpose.

“Having a shared connection to the characters in a TV series or film might make couples feel like they share a social identity even if they lack mutual friends in the real world,” says Gomillion.

A different view of screen time

Television and streaming services are often criticised for encouraging isolation. However, the study suggests that shared viewing experiences may have social benefits within romantic relationships.

“People often say that activities like watching Netflix isolate us, but our research suggests that it can actually have important social benefits,” says Gomillion.

For couples, that favourite series or movie marathon may offer more than entertainment—it may also help strengthen their sense of connection.