Reading vs. Streaming: My Unique Journey with Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Horror

On average, I don't spend much time watching science fiction or fantasy TV series, films, or streaming media. For one, I have visual impairments, which makes it much harder for me to face video content. However, contrary to what you might assume, I actually consume a significant amount of sci-fi, fantasy, and horror content, but in a different format—reading and listening to it.

My Media Consumption Breakdown

When it comes to visual media, I usually manage just a few hours a week. This isn't because I’m opposed to it, but rather, I prefer to let my imagination run wild while reading or listening to sci-fi, fantasy, and horror. For a large part of the year, my viewing hours are very limited, but when I do watch, it tends to be what I enjoy.

However, if we factor in anime and horror, those genres add up to about 20–30 hours a week. This includes shows like Castlevania, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and various other anime series. My primary focus lies in sci-fi, fantasy, horror, supernatural, and anime, where I spent around 50 hours a week. This is compared to the

Personal Tastes and Adapting to Media Formats

As a long-time reader of sci-fi and fantasy novels, I can be quite picky when it comes to TV and film adaptations. I love the way I can conjure entire worlds in my mind, allowing me to fill in the gaps that can be missed in visual media. For example, I absolutely adored the Altered Carbon adaptation, but I found the Midnight Sun series quite lackluster. It took me a long time to get into Game of Thrones, but now I’m thoroughly hooked. Even though I don't prioritize TV and film as part of my overall media consumption, when I do watch anything, it ends up being used efficiently.

Balancing Work and Leisure

Due to my full-time job, often supplemented with overtime, my free time is limited. Currently, I’m on a six-day work schedule, meaning I have very little time to myself. By the time I get home on weekends, I usually feel drained and end up catching up on sleep.

On days I can spare even a little time for entertainment, I usually do something functional. I usually come home in the early evening, breeze through my emails, and before I know it, it's 7:30 PM and The Big Bang Theory is on. If it's a repeat, I may not pay much attention, but new episodes or particularly good ones I don't want to miss. On such days, I might even roll out my folding cot and do some light exercise while watching the show to burn a few extra calories. For sci-fi content, I rely heavily on Star Trek: The Original Series, which I can usually watch uninterrupted on a different channel. It’s more like listening to a radio, and I enjoy the "good bits" of the show.

Exploring New Media Through Occasional Rentals

When it comes to sci-fi movies, I typically rent them from a Redbox kiosk, but it doesn’t happen as frequently as reading. Maybe three times a year, I see a promising title that I can't resist. If it’s an older movie, I may have to do some searching to find a copy. Watching these movies tends to be spread out over several days due to busy schedules and interruptions.

In conclusion, while my visual media consumption is limited, my love for stories in the sci-fi, fantasy, and horror genres is never far from me, whether through reading, listening, or occasionally renting a movie. These various formats not only enrich my life but also help me maintain a balance between work and leisure.