In anticipation of our favorite shows returning—whether it’s reality, fantasy, true crime or anything in between – we’ve put together a simple guide to help you get ready. So, time to grab your favorite snacks, turn down the lights and get comfortable. It’s showtime!

10 Ways to Get Ready for Spring TV Season

1. Get your snack situation right

What’s a TV night-in without some delicious snacks? Smartfood Smart 50® Sweet & Salty Caramel saves you the effort of running back and forth from the microwave before your favorite show starts, and it will satisfy both salty and sweet cravings all at once. With 50 calories per cup or less, you can enjoy a better-for-you snack with the same delicious flavor and taste of traditional Smartfood®. All Smartfood Smart 50® varieties have no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, reflective of the brand’s commitment to using only high quality, carefully selected and premium ingredients. Available online at snacks.com and retail stores nationwide ($3.99).

2. Get your lineup ready

We’ve all been there. You’re scrolling through the endless list of TV shows, unable to decide what to put on – only to re-watch your favorite show for the hundredth time. Our suggestion? Create a shortlist of shows to watch for the next time you find yourself in this situation. As part of this, figure out what you want to watch live, and what you will catch on-demand later. A good rule of thumb: always watch the shows that you know will be spoiled for you first. Don’t give anyone the chance to ruin it! Also, give yourself a break: It has been a year. With everything going on in the world, you may have forgotten some storylines, subplots, subtle foreshadowing or even just the whereabouts of your favorite side characters. Re-watch the most recent episodes (or entire seasons, if you have time!) before snuggling up and settling in for any premieres or big finales. One more pro-tip to create the best spring TV lineup ever? Timing it well. If you’re prone to nightmares, make sure to follow up your favorite scary shows with something more light-hearted.

3. Get comfortable—get moving

Be sure your space is ready for you to post up! Comfy seating, cushy pillows and quiet surroundings (or headphones) are a must. Alternatively, TV time is a great opportunity to hop on a treadmill, jump rope or stretch. It’s multitasking at its finest.

4. Up your loungewear game

Those sweats you love might be a little too heavy for spring. Swap out your cozies for something cooler, like jersey or linen, and consider swapping your Christmas prints and tie-dye for something more novel—say, a lightweight onesie with your favorite TV characters. Another great option? Leggings with pockets, which let you stretch out without dropping your phone between cushions. View this post on Instagram

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5. Find a TV bestie

Your real bestie may not be into the same exact shows you are, so find the friend who won’t let your text thread go unread after watching a dramatic episode unfold, or even just a fun group chat to play along during game shows.

6. Set the mood with the lighting

It’s all about the atmosphere when it comes to watching TV - whether you want to light a few candles to set the mood for your favorite steamy drama or keep the lights all the way up for that sci-fi thriller that is just scary enough to have you checking behind your back. Something else to think about—Daylight Savings means that it stays brighter for longer, so you may have to adjust your viewing space to compensate for the extra glare on your screens.

7. Have a girl-power hour (or two, or three)

In celebration of Women’s History Month (and really, every month), dedicate at least some of your screen time to supporting your fellow females! Whether it’s intense dramas or hilarious comedies produced or directed by women, empower yourself and support these women to continue creating art that you love. [newsletter slug=“general”

8. Take it outside

Make your neighbors jealous with an outdoor TV viewing experience! Grab a projector, white sheet and your snacks. Bonus points if you add a fire pit.

9. Double up your screen time to make the most of your viewing experience

Use your bigger screens to watch your favorite shows while using your smaller ones to research any background you may need. And by research we really mean falling down the rabbit hole of symbolism and theories to hold you over until the next episode: Did that red dress mean something else entirely? Is there more to the nosy neighbor than meets the eye? Is the killer hiding in plain sight? Check message boards for your shows and social media to see where your ideas and speculations stand next to the rest of the audience.

10. The TV Honor Code

When it comes to watching a TV show with your person (whether it’s your significant other, family or friends), there is an unspoken rule that you can’t watch the next episode without them. Sticking to this code is tough (especially when you have a cliffhanger begging you to hit “next episode”), but it’ll make for a much more enjoyable viewing experience – for the both of you! Next, check out the best free movie and TV streaming services to tune in to your favorite shows! 1.Statistica.com (Share of consumers who have a subscription on-demand (SVOD) service in the United States from 2015 to 2020)

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