You Know The 3 Beverage Rule. Here's The 3 TV Show Rule.

rule of three 3 tv show rule the summer i turned pretty gilmore girls emily in paris
  • A recent trend reveals TV show viewers can have three TV shows at any given time: a comfort watch, a social watch, and a binge watch.
  • Each TV show serves a different emotional purpose, providing comfort, strengthening relationships, and offering thrills.
  • We don't want to spend 100 percent of our time watching TV, but in moderation, it can help our mental health.

They say good things come in threes, and nothing proves it more than the three beverage rule. ICYMI, the aforementioned rule is that at any given point, you'll have three drinks with you: one drink for hydration, one for caffeine, and one for fun. The so-called "rule" started going viral on TikTok when a number of women realized they were all doing it, and I realized that in addition to my three drinks, I am always in the middle of three different TV shows.

My friends and I realized we had similar viewing patterns when we started talking about how we each have a comfort show that's basically white noise to us, one show we're not allowed to watch without our partner or roommate, and a new show we love to binge watch. And apparently, we're not the only ones.

Netflix

"It is totally normal to have three TV shows at the top of your 'must-watch' list," says Dr. Michele Leno, Psychologist atDML Psychological Services, PLLC. "They usually fall into separate genres such as comedy, drama, thriller, and reality. We categorize them as comfort, social, and binge-able. We may also watch according to the time of day. I particularly love comfort shows during the evening."

But, why three? Why not two or four? Dr. Leno says having a trio provides our brains with just enough activity. "Humans tend to group things into threes, a phenomenon known as the 'rule of three,'" she says. "This might be due to our brains' ability to process and retain information more effectively when it's presented in sets of three."

But while our brains don't necessarily gravitate or attract trios, "it's more about efficient information processing. It's plausible that the 'rule of three' cognitive bias influences our TV viewing behavior."

The Consistent Comfort Show

NBC

I am, and forever will be, in the middle of a Friends rewatch. It's the perfect show to have on when I'm eating a quick meal, folding laundry, or my brain is too tired to keep up with crazy plot lines. This sitcom might not be everyone's cup of tea but it has everything that makes my soul feel at rest: close relationships, the vibrancy of New York City, and the reminder that my life won't always be as chaotic as my 20s have felt.

These series can actually help with anxiety because you already know what the outcome of the series will be. "An old show provides a relaxing and familiar space," Dr. Leno says. "We find tranquility in watching our favorite characters. Even a show that was initially unsettling may feel less disturbing the second time around because you know what to expect."

Comfort shows don't add any new information to your cognitive load (AKA, the stress we put on our working memory), and it can even remind you of a nostalgic time in your life.

Your comfort watch might be Gilmore Girls, New Girl, Avatar: The Last Airbender, orBrooklyn Nine-Nine, but whatever you pick, it's probably a TV show you can quote, and it makes you feel totally at ease.

The Couch Show

ABC

No matter how many differences there are between my single and coupled-up friends, one thing remains consistent: we all have a show we're not allowed to watch without the person we live with. Since staying home with a yummy bowl of pasta and our comfiest pajama pants costs us exactly zero dollars, this has become a go-to date night for a lot of people (attention fellow singles: if you're not having date nights with your friends, you're missing out!!).

And Dr. Leno reveals how it can actually help strengthen your relationship: "We can easily bond over characters, storylines, and plots. There's an opportunity to gain insight into their thinking about various situations without directly asking questions. Most of all, you can look forward to spending time together."

My roommate and I are currently in the middle of Lost, and there's something restful about watching the show with a best friend, just for the sake of having fun. My life is so fast-paced that knowing there's no rush to get to the finale makes me enjoy the series even more.

The Current Binge

Apple TV+

And, of course, we're all in the middle of the hottest new TV shows. Keeping up with the cultural conversations can feel overwhelming, but the great thing about living in the land of streaming is that there is truly something for everyone, whether you're a sci-fi fan, all you watch is rom-coms, or you can't get enough of dramas.

I am loving Yellowstone spinoff1923 and Emily in Paris — and Pachinko season 2 and Only Murders in the Building are on my list, of course!

"Watching a new series, especially one that deviates from our norm, can hook us," Dr. Leno says. "New is refreshing. We have a chance to experience different emotions and get acquainted with different people. Oddly enough, some live vicariously through characters, and this alone makes the show worth watching."

Watching a TV show can be a wonderful way to experience global travel, a completely different culture, or a different time period. I'll never be part of the London elite, but watching the Industry season 3 gang tackle the banking business makes me feel SO powerful.

We're getting Sullivan's Crossing season 2, Outer Banks season 4, and Agatha All Along later this year, so there's plenty to keep you busy.

Fremantle/The CW

However, it's important to note that television can also separate us from reality when we watch too much of it, so it's vital to know what kind of boundaries work for your lifestyle. Because, like Dr. Leno says, "too much of a good thing can become a bad thing."

You can use TV as a reward for finishing work or chores that you've been avoiding. "If you are a binge-watcher, start your show at a time that does not disrupt sleep," she also recommends. "Feeling guilty or concerned about your screen may be a sign that you are using TV to avoid another area of your life."

Netflix

But she also says that TV doesn't need to be something we avoid completely. "Talking with others can increase tolerance for varying perspectives and fulfill the need for community," Dr. Leno says of the appeal (and benefit) of watching shows. "Joining the conversation allows us to connect with like-minded people...Inundating our brains with only the so-called serious matters is not the way to go. We thrive in balance and rewards."

What are your comfort, couch, and current TV shows? Let us know your TV rule of three in the comments, and see all the latest pop culture news on our TikTok!

Lead image via KoolShooters/Pexels andWarner Bros. Television/Erika Doss/Prime Video/Stephanie Branchu/Netflix

The Last of Us immediately gripped TV fans when it premiered on HBO and Max in January 2023 — regardless of whether they played the video game. Its themes of light and dark, family, and the length we go to for love set it apart, nearly doubling its viewership from premiere to finale and winning it eight Emmys! The Last of Us season 2premieres April 13, 2025, but season 3 is already on the way. And considering there are only two games, this is totally uncharted territory. Keep reading for everything you need to know about The Last of Us season 3.

Here's everything we know about The Last of Us season 3, coming soon to HBO and Max.

Is The Last of Us renewed for season 3?

Liane Hentscher/HBO

Yes, The Last of Us season 3 is coming to HBO and Max!

“We approached season two with the goal of creating something we could be proud of. The end results have exceeded even our most ambitious goals, thanks to our continued collaboration with HBO and the impeccable work of our unparalleled cast and crew," creator, executive producer, writer, and director Craig Mazin said in a statement. "We look forward to continuing the story of THE LAST OF US with season three!”

Neil Druckmann, creator, executive producer, writer, and director, added,“To see The Last of Us brought to life so beautifully and faithfully has been a career highlight for me, and I am grateful for the fans' enthusiastic and overwhelming support. Much of that success is thanks to my partner in crime, Craig Mazin, our partnership with HBO, and our team at PlayStation Productions. On behalf of everyone at Naughty Dog, our cast, and crew, thank you so much for allowing us this opportunity. We're thrilled to bring you more of THE LAST OF US!”

Where can I watch The Last of Us season 3?

Liane Hentscher/HBO

We don't have an official The Last of Us season 3 release date yet, but you can watch the season 2 premiere on Max and HBO Sunday, April 13 at 9 PM ET.

Who's in The Last of Us season 3 cast?

Liane Hentscher/HBO

The Last of Us season 3 cast might look different than the cast we've seen before, so stay tuned for official casting announcements. The Last of Us season 2 cast includes:

  • Pedro Pascal as Joel: a man tasked with bringing Ellie out west in hopes of finding a cure for the infected.
  • Bella Ramsey as Ellie: an immune young girl taken under Joel's wing.
  • Gabriel Luna as Tommy: Joel's brother who went MIA and is now living in Jackson.
  • Rutina Wesley as Maria: one of Jackson's leaders and Tommy's wife.
  • Kaitlyn Dever as Abby: a young woman determined to get revenge.
  • Isabela Merced as Dina: a headstrong young woman in Jackson who catches Ellie's eye.
  • Young Mazino as Jesse: one of Ellie's friends, and Dina's exes.
  • Ariela Barer as Mel: a doctor who's part of Abby's group.
  • Spencer Lord as Owen: a strong but gentle member of Abby's crew.
  • Tati Gabrielle as Nora: a medic in Abby's group.
  • Danny Ramirez as Manny: a member of Abby's crew who tries to keep their spirits up.
  • Jeffrey Wright as Isaac: the leader of the militia.
  • Catherine O’Hara as Gail: Joel's therapist.

How many seasons of Last of Us will be there?

Liane Hentscher/HBO

Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin told Deadline they were thinking of making up to four seasons of the show.

“The story material that we got from Part II of the game is way more than the story material that was in the first game, so part of what we had to do from the start was figure out how to tell that story across seasons,” Craig said, before adding that "season 3 will be significantly larger."

“One thing is absolutely for sure, I don’t see how we could tell the story that remains after Season 2 is complete in one more season,” he continued.

When is The Last of Us 3 coming out?

Liane Hentscher/HBO

Stay tuned for an official The Last of Us season 3 release date! (Hopefully we won't have to wait for another 2 years...)

Loving all the recent TV news? Check out the latest news on Severance season 3.

It'll take you about five minutes after meeting me to learn I'm from North Carolina. I simply can't stop talking about it! The cities are vibrant, the beaches are gorgeous, and the mountains are beautiful (quick plug for info on donating to Hurricane Helene relief). And since I'm from the Outer Banks, I have been locked in on Netflix's teen drama show of the same name. You can imagine my heartbreak when the streamer announced season 5 would be the final season (and when season 4 killed off my favorite character), but never fear my treasure hunting, adventure seeking friends. Netflix is bringing us a brand new drama called The Waterfront that has enough drama and intrigue to fill the Outer Banks void in your life.

Here's everything you need to know about The Waterfront, streaming on Netflix June 19, 2025.

What is The Waterfront on Netflix about?

Netflix

The Waterfront follows the Buckley family, who have always been Havenport, NC royalty. But when tragedy strikes, leaving Harlan Buckley to recover from two heart attacks, his wife Belle and son Cane have to keep their fishing empire from sinking. And things get even more complicated when Harlan's daughter Bree, a recovering addict who lost custody of her own son, winds up in a relationship that threatens the whole family. This twisty family drama already has me hooked!

Where can I watch The Waterfront?

Netflix

You can watch The Waterfront on Netflix June 19, 2025.

Who's in The Waterfront cast?

Netflix

The Waterfront cast includes some great names! Here's the full list:

  • Holt McCallany as Harlan Buckley: The ambitious Buckley patriarch who built Buckley fishery in the 1980s.
  • Maria Bello as Belle Buckley: Harlan's wife who takes business matters into her own hands after his heart attacks.
  • Jake Weary as Cane Buckley: Harlan’s son who enjoys the money their life has afforded them...and doesn't enjoy much else.
  • Melissa Benoist as Bree Buckley: Harlan's daughter who is struggling to balance sobriety and a relationship with the son she lost custody of.
  • Rafael L. Silva as Shawn Wilson: the Buckleys' new bartender who has secrets of his own.
  • Humberly González as Jenna Tate: a journalist who reunites with her hometown — and her high school sweetheart, Cane.
  • Danielle Campbell as Peyton Buckley: Cane's wife who sticks by his side.
  • Brady Hepner as Diller Hopkins: Bree’s son who rejects her attempts to connect but idolizes Harlan.
  • Gerardo Celasco as Marcus Sanchez: a DEA agent.
  • Michael Gaston as Clyde Porter: the sheriff.
  • Zach Roerig as Troy.
  • Topher Grace
  • Dave Annable

How many episodes of The Waterfront are there?

Netflix

The Waterfront will have eight episodes that are each one hour long. Check back here for the episode titles.

Where are they filming The Waterfront?

Netflix

The Waterfront was filmed in both Wilmington and Southport, North Carolina. You'll probably recognize these towns because both The Summer I Turned Pretty and One Tree Hill were filmed in Wilmington, and the Nicholas Sparks movie Safe Haven was filmed in Southport!

Is The Waterfront based on a true story?

Netflix

Yes, The Waterfront on Netflix is inspired by real events. The show's from showrunner Kiven Williamson, who's behind Scream, Dawson's Creek, and The Vampire Diaries. He never misses.

Can't wait for The Waterfront? Check out The 9 Best TV Shows To Watch On Netflix This Month.

If your watch list is looking a little thin or you're sick of revisiting the same old comfort shows, don't sleep on Amazon Prime Video.

We know that Netflix and Hulu may be your go-to, but there are plenty of totally binge-worthy titles on Prime Video that you might be overlooking. From captivating dramas to thrillers and laugh-out-loud comedies, here are our top 10 TV shows you should watch on the streaming giant this month.

Scroll to see all the Prime Video TV shows you should watch in April!

Jonathan Prime/Prime

1. House of David

House of David is as much a family drama as it is a historical epic. You might know the story of David and Goliath, but this Prime Video show dives into the relationships between David, Jonathan, and Michal — and their families — like you've never seen. The cinematography is beautiful, the scripts are tight, and you'll be on the edge of your seat the whole time. The House of David season finale just dropped, so catch up now before season 2!

JoJo Whilden/Prime Video

2. Fallout

Based on the beloved video game series, this show centers on Lucy MacLean, played by Ella Purnell, a young woman who has spent her life in the safety of an underground vault. Well, that's until her father gets kidnapped, and she's forced to venture above ground into the violent, post-apocalyptic wasteland of Los Angeles.

In addition to Ella, viewers can look forward to seeing stars such as Walton Goggins, Aaron Moten, Moisés Arias, Zach Cherry, and Leslie Uggams.

ABC

3. Moonlighting

Moonlighting was a groundbreaking series that blended comedy, drama, and a lot of chemistry between its leads, Cybill Shepherd and Bruce Willis. The show, which premiered in 1985, follows Madelyn "Maddie" Hayes, a former model who's inspired to launch a new career as a private detective.

The series is revered for its witty banter and sharp dialogue, making it a favorite among fans in the '80s. However, Moonlighting is still just as enjoyable today and available for streaming on Prime Video.

Rafy Photography

4. The Expanse

The Expanse, which debuted in 2015 and has six seasons, offers an interesting take on the future of humanity, where human conflict and political intrigue are still an issue, even in the solar system.

It's set in a world where Earth, Mars, and the asteroid belt are on the brink of war, and centers on a crew of survivors from a mining ship, James Holden, Naomi Nagata, Amos Burton, and Alex Kamal, who uncover a big conspiracy. The crew is played by Steven Strait, Dominique Tipper, Wes Chatham, and Cas Anvar, respectively.

Fox

5. House

House has redefined the medical genre, thanks in part to the title character, Dr. Gregory House. Played by Hugh Laurie, Dr. House is modeled after Sherlock Holmes and solves medical mysteries that no one else can at the fictional Princeton Plainsboro Teaching Hospital in New Jersey.

Aside from Hugh's iconic performance, the show is driven by a powerful cast of supporting actors, including Robert Sean Leonard, Lisa Edelstein, Omar Epps, Jennifer Morrison, Olivia Wilde, Jesse Spencer, and Kal Penn.

USA

6. Monk

This show offers a unique twist on the detective genre by blending comedy with mystery in a wonderful way. Monk follows Adrian Monk, played by Tony Shalhoub, who is a brilliant but neurotic detective with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

His phobias and quirks often lead to complications and plenty of hijinks at work. Nonetheless, his unrivaled detective skills still make Adrian one of the best in the business. Monk ran for a total of eight seasons and paved the way for Mr Monk's Last Case: A Monk Movie, which came out in 2023.

Jan Thijs/Prime Video

7. Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan

Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan brings the iconic character to the TV screen for the first time. Played by John Krasinski, who's most well-known for his role as Jim in The Office, Jack Ryan is a CIA analyst who finds himself thrust into the field and uncovers a complex pattern in terrorist communications that sets off a high-stakes chain of events.

The series takes the action-packed essence of Clancy's novels and adapts it for television, just in case you prefer to watch instead of read.

Nicole Rivelli

8. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel centers around Miriam "Midge" Maisel, a 1950s housewife who decides to pursue a career in stand-up comedy after discovering she's quite talented at it.

The series is set in New York and follows Miriam, played by Rachel Brosnahan, as she transforms into a confident and successful comic who winds up on the Tonight Show.

Amazon Studios

9. Fleabag

Fleabag is the adaptation of Phoebe Waller-Bridge's one-woman stage show. As the unnamed protagonist, known only as Fleabag, she plays a dry-witted and emotionally scarred woman who shields herself from pain with sharp humor and unfiltered commentary.

Viewers follow along as she navigates the chaos of life, love, and loss in London. Fleabag is obviously driven by Phoebe Waller-Bridge's outstanding performance, but it also has great supporting actors, including Andrew Scott, Sian Clifford, Brett Gelman, Olivia Colman, Jenny Rainsford, and Bill Patterson.

Liane Hentscher/Prime Video

10. Upload

Last but not least is Upload, a series that definitely deserves more attention. It debuted in 2020, has three seasons, and takes place in 2033, where technology actually allows people to upload their consciousness into a digital afterlife.

So, after the character Nathan, played by Robbie Amell, unexpectedly dies, he's uploaded to the virtual paradise of Lakeview. Upload has a knack for balancing quirkiness with social satire and is sure to keep you hooked.

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Everyone can't stop talking about The Pitt, and with its emotional payoff, weekly release schedule, and 15-episode season, it feels like old school TV is back! The season finale of Max's new medical drama hits the streamer on April 10, but do I have great news for you: The Pitt season 2 is coming in January 2026. Keep reading to find out everything we know!

Here's everything we know about The Pitt season 2, coming to Max in January 2026.

Will there be a season 2 of The Pitt?

Warrick Page/Max

Yes, The Pitt season 2 is coming to Max! And according to Deadline, the upcoming season will take place over Fourth of July weekend.

The show was renewed on February 14, 2025. Sarah Aubrey, Head of Max Original Programming, quote: “It's been a thrill to watch audiences embrace The Pitt as an update to procedural storytelling with a cast who authentically embody the heroics of doctors and nurses on shift in a 2025 emergency room," Sarah Aubrey, Head of Max Original Programming, said in a statement.

"We’re excited and delighted with the audience response for our first season of The Pitt and can’t be more appreciative of our partners at Max and Warner Bros. Television for all of their extraordinary support throughout our first season," John Wells, R. Scott Gemmill, and Noah Wyle added.

Where can I watch The Pitt season 2?

Warrick Page/Max

Not only is The Pitt season 2 on its way, but it's coming super soon! The sophomore season will debut on Max in January 2026. This is a huge relief (and delight) because it breaks the awful pattern we've fallen into recently of waiting two to three years in between seasons of a show.

The Pitt premiered on January 9, 2025, so the second season will debut exactly a year later!

Who's in The Pitt season 2 cast?

Warrick Page/Max

We can expect our favorites to return for The Pitt season 2:

  • Noah Wyle as Dr. Michael "Robby" Robinavitch: a senior member of the ER staff.
  • Fiona Dourif as Dr. Cassie McKay: a 42-year-old second-year resident.
  • Gerran Howell as Dennis Whitaker: a fourth-year medical student.
  • Tracy Ifeachor as Dr. Heather Collins: an ER senior resident.
  • Katherine LaNasa as Dana Evans: the ER's charge nurse.
  • Patrick Ball as Dr. Frank Langdon: an ER senior resident and Robby's right hand.
  • Taylor Dearden as Dr. Melissa "Mel" King: another second-year resident.
  • Isa Briones as Dr. Trinity Santos: an intern.
  • Supriya Ganesh as Dr. Samira Mohan: one of the third-year residents.
  • Shabana Azeez as Victoria Javadi: a 20-year-old third-year medical student.
And they're looking for more cast members! “We’re calling all pros,” Noah Wyle said at a Contenders TV panel (via Deadline). “We want people who are good with props and who are used to working in a company, with an ensemble. We want creativity. We want passion. We don’t want ego coming to play. We have tremendous people showing up excited.”

“There’s no differentiation between the foreground and the background crew,” he continued. “We are all the company, and we are all going to have a very immersive experience. It’s a very atypical way of working, and hopefully, they’ll come away with something very special.”

How many episodes of The Pitt are there?

Warrick Page/Max

With tomorrow's season finale, The Pitt will have 15 episodes total. Each episode is named for the hour it covers.

  • Season 1, Episode 1 "7:00 A.M." premiered on January 9, 2025
  • Season 1, Episode 2 "8:00 A.M." premiered on January 9, 2025
  • Season 1, Episode 3 "9:00 A.M." premiered on January 16, 2025
  • Season 1, Episode 4 "10:00 A.M." premiered on January 23, 2025
  • Season 1, Episode 5 "11:00 A.M." premiered on January 30, 2025
  • Season 1, Episode 6 "12:00 P.M." premiered on February 6, 2025
  • Season 1, Episode 7 "1:00 P.M." premiered on February 13, 2025
  • Season 1, Episode 8 "2:00 P.M." premiered on February 20, 2025
  • Season 1, Episode 9 "3:00 P.M." premiered on February 27, 2025
  • Season 1, Episode 10 "4:00 P.M." premiered on March 6, 2025
  • Season 1, Episode 11 "5:00 P.M." premiered on March 13, 2025
  • Season 1, Episode 12 "6:00 P.M." premiered on March 20, 2025
  • Season 1, Episode 13 "7:00 P.M." premiered on March 27, 2025
  • Season 1, Episode 14 "8:00 P.M." premiered on April 3, 2025
  • Season 1, Episode 15 "9:00 P.M." premieres on April 10, 2025

Where is The Pitt filmed?

Warrick Page/Max

The Pitt season 1 was mainly filmed on a soundstage in Burbank, California, but a few of the exterior shots were taken in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where the show is set.

Stay tuned for more news on The Pitt season 2. And read up on the latest news about Netflix's medical drama Pulse.

Just when you thought The White Lotus season 3 finale covered it all, Mike White revealed some there were missing storylines and scenes from the finale cut. The 90-minute finale finally solved the dark murder mystery for the audience, with the cast’s emotional reactions to Chelsea and Rick’s deaths taking center stage. However, there was another undoubtedly viral scene that didn’t make the cut — a sex scene between Piper Ratliff (Sarah Catherine Hook) and Zion (Nicholas Duvernay). Yeah, you read that correctly.

Scroll to find out all the tea on those insane Piper Ratliff deleted scenes we totally wish were in The White Lotusseason 3!

HBO

Remember that uncomfortable dialogue between brothers Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger) and Lochlan (Sam Nivola) early on, when Saxon inquired about his sister's virginity? Well, White was looking to wrap that storyline up. The creator said during The White Lotus Official Podcast bonus episode that “she decided to lose her virginity in the script in the last episode.” He describes the cut as “disappointing,” adding that “she actually has sex with Zion.”

“There’s this whole scene where she’s like ‘It’s true. Saxon is right about this one thing. I need to get this over with,’” White said. Apparently, this was supposed to happen after Piper’s revelation that she needs material items to live, kicking her soulful journey of Buddhism to the curb.

White says, “And you know how after she leaves the monastery she’s just like, ‘I need to have sex.’ But in the end, it was one of these things where it was like, it’s already an hour and a half. It would have added 10 minutes to the thing. And it had a little bit of a rom-com vibe in the middle of trying to kill the family with the pong pong fruits. It just felt like I was trying to do too much narratively.”

HBO

During the cast’s Q&A finale panel at the Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village, California, which Brit + Co attended, Hook revealed yet another piece of her character’s story that was left out.

“Mike wrote a lot for this season, and so he had to make some cuts,” Hook told the audience.

“There was this really funny bit with Piper that [White] made, and we filmed it.” In episode two, Ratliff is doing yoga when a man looks at her, and let’s just say her reaction is less than enthused. “There was an encounter like that in almost every episode, and it didn't make it.”

The Cruel Intentions star added, “I just thought it was funny because it was just — Is it in her head? Is it real? It was like she's very uncomfortable in her body.” The actress concluded that she thought it was “cool” and “sad” that those snippets didn’t make the final cut.

With that action packed finale leaving us tearful and utterly shocked simultaneously, we can understand why Piper and Zion’s love scene had to take a backseat.

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