How a Second Screen Improves My Movie and TV Experience

Most people watch movies or shows on one screen. They sit back and relax, focused on the main screen. But I’ve found that using a second screen makes it more enjoyable. Over time, I’ve noticed how a second screen improves my movie and TV experience making it more fun.

For me, a phone, tablet, or laptop can work as a second screen—something extra to use while viewing.

Using a second screen I am able to follow episode guides, read trivia and search up the identities of performers. I occasionally talk to pals or check fan reviews. I can keep focused on what I’m watching thanks to it.

We’ll discuss why using a second screen enhances the viewing experience in this post, along with how you can give it a try.

Should You Read the Plot Before Watching? Here’s My Experience

Many people dislike spoilers because they believe they ruin the suspense particularly when they have been waiting for a new film or television program to premiere. However, it’s the other way around for me. I enjoy knowing what will happen since it increases my excitement for the plot’s development.

I therefore often look up background information, spoilers, or even the entire narrative before viewing. It improves my comprehension of the narrative and makes me aware of details I might have overlooked.

I typically look up more information on Wikipedia or Reddit before start of a new season or while I’m waiting for a movie to start. I feel more ready and appreciate the performance much more as a result.

Why Knowing a Character’s Past Makes Their Story More Meaningful

Some movies and shows feature complex characters with deep, sometimes confusing backstories. To better understand their actions and motivations, I often look up the backstory of the character I’m interested in.

I usually check official biographies, Wikipedia pages, or even fan theories to learn more. This helps me explore their history, personality, and what drives them. For example, when I rewatched Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, I wanted to learn more about the main villain, Armando Salazar.

The movie shows how Captain Jack Sparrow outsmarted him, but I was curious about Salazar’s past. So I paused the movie, picked up my phone, and searched for his character on the Pirates of the Caribbean Fandom Wiki.

There, I found that pirates had killed his family and that he quickly rose through the ranks of the Spanish Royal Navy. The page also explained his personality. The actor even described Salazar as a “wounded bull,” which helped me understand his anger and ruthlessness in the film.

Learning a character’s backstory like this helps me enjoy the story more and connect with the characters on a deeper level.

How I Use a Second Screen to Look Up Info While Watching

Even though I’m pretty familiar with pop culture, there are times when a movie or show drops a reference I don’t recognize. It could be a quote, a mention of another film, or even a historical event. When that happens, I like to look it up on my phone so I don’t miss any important context.

This really helps when I’m watching shows with niche references, like Billions. In one episode, a character was playing a card game called Netrunner. I was curious, so I searched online and found out that Netrunner is a collectible card game set in a dystopian future. It was actually created by the same person behind Magic: The Gathering.

Learning that gave me a better understanding of the character, Taylor Mason. Even though they’re shown as a logical and serious Chief Investment Officer, that detail revealed a fun and nerdy side. It added more depth to their personality and made the show even more interesting for me.

Using a second screen to look up references and extra information while watching helps me enjoy shows and movies more. I stay informed, learn new things, and understand the characters on a deeper level.

Using Episode Recaps to Stay Connected to the Show’s Plot

Many people enjoy binge-watching TV series or film franchises, but I don’t always have the time for that. I usually watch just one episode per week, which means a lot of time can pass between episodes.

Because of this, I often need a quick refresher to make sure I don’t get confused when I start the next episode. Instead of relying on the recap that plays at the beginning, I prefer to search for information online.

If I’m watching on Prime Video, it’s especially easy, as its AI-powered recaps help me stay up to date on the plot. However, even if I’m using Netflix, Apple TV, or Disney+, I still like to read a summary of the previous episode or movie online. It helps me keep track of the story and ensures I don’t miss any important details.

How I Always Find the Next Show or Movie to Enjoy

After finishing a movie, I always like to check out the cast. For example, I just watched A Minecraft Movie, and the actress playing Natalie caught my attention. I recognized her but couldn’t remember where from.

So, I quickly searched online and discovered that she was played by Emma Myers, who also stars in Netflix’s Wednesday. Now, Wednesday is on my list of shows to watch once I finish Billions and The Pitt.

Using my phone while watching movies and shows helps me learn more about the film, its characters, and the actors. It’s a great way to enhance my viewing experience.

However, I only do this when I’m watching alone. I make sure not to disturb others who may not be as interested in the details. This is especially important in cinemas, where the light from my phone’s screen could distract people around me.

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FAQ

1. How does using a second screen enhance the movie or TV viewing experience?
Using a second screen allows you to look up actors, read trivia, and follow episode guides. It helps you stay connected to the story and discover new information about what you’re watching, making the experience more engaging and enjoyable.

2. Should I look up spoilers before watching a movie or show?
It depends on your preference. Some people enjoy spoilers because it makes them more excited to see how the story unfolds. I personally enjoy knowing what happens next, as it helps me appreciate the details and deeper meaning of the plot.

3. How do I find a character’s backstory while watching?
You can search for official biographies, Wikipedia pages, or fan theories to understand a character’s history, personality, and motivations. For example, I use a second screen to look up information when I’m watching movies like Pirates of the Caribbean to learn more about a character’s past.

4. How can I keep track of references and information while watching a show?
If a show or movie includes references or quotes I don’t understand, I quickly use my second screen to look them up. This helps me stay connected to the story and better understand niche references, like the card game Netrunner in Billions.

5. Why do I read episode recaps before watching a new episode?
I often read episode recaps to stay on top of the plot, especially if I’ve been watching a series over a long period. This helps me stay connected to the story and makes it easier to follow along with the next episode.