‘House of Cards’ proves binging isn’t always a bad thing

You or someone you know is obsessed with “House of Cards.”

With a series that’s released all at one time, fans find themselves binge-watching – considered watching three episodes in one sitting. And the term binge definitely comes with some negative connotations, because there can be too much a good thing.

Psychologist Dr. Michael Friedman doesn’t think that binge watching is that bad. In fact, he thinks it can be good for you. “House of Cards” episodes, for example, are less than an hour each. About three hours of TV binge watching, is no more than watching a long movie.

Or, it’s no different than sitting down for one of the traditional TV nights – the way Thursday used to be “Must See TV.”

“Basically the shows just keep going as-is anyway, so I don’t think there’s anything different about ‘House of Cards,'” said Friedman.

Football fans have and will continue binge watching TV every Sunday during football season.

Friedman said part of what makes it okay to indulge in extra-long sessions of “House of Cards” is the fact that it’s actually good. “I think “House of Cards” is a great product, I think it’s interesting, it’s intellectually interesting, it’s fun to watch, it’s good art.”

So as long as you’re not calling into work sick or forgetting your kid’s birthday – sit back and enjoy yourself.

Binging food, TV or something else, and whether it’s healthy, has to do in part with how much control you have.

“You can eat a large amount of food, but if you’re doing it in a way because it’s mindful and you feel in control about it – it’s not necessarily a ‘binge.’ And I think it’s the same for binge watching, ” said Friedman. “It’s in many cases a helpful distraction from some of the difficult parts of someone’s life.”