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I write to you today as the Queen of Cheese.

No, not that kind. Although I could make an argument for both. I’m talking about cheesy television, cheesy movies, cheesy songs… my love for cringe and predictable knows no bounds.

Sometimes, the only brain workout I want is remembering which small-town baker fell for the big-city executive this time.

But every now and then, I crave something a little heavier, a little twistier, and maybe even a little unsettling (Yellowjackets, we’re looking at you). And guess what? It’s actually great for our brains.

In fact, one study published in Cognitive Science found that engaging with complex narratives activates multiple brain regions related to memory, emotional processing, and theory of mind.

Loose translation? Watching Severance is for your health.

7 reasons you should you should sprinkle in a mind-bending, theory-fueling show amongst your feel-good faves:

#1. Cognitive Flexibility 

Twisty shows force our brains to hold multiple theories at once, sharpening our ability to pivot and see things from different angles (which, let’s be real, is also a sales skill). Severance season 2 was me WORKING.

#2. Pattern Recognition 

Decoding hidden clues and spotting foreshadowing keeps our brains sharp, making us better at problem-solving in business and life. This is also why being a Swiftie is a tax write-off, you’re welcome.

#3. Critical Thinking 

The best thrillers make us question everything, turning us into sharper, more analytical thinkers. We love a plot twist, just not in our marketing strategies.

#4. Creativity Boost 

Crafting wild, yet totally plausible, theories taps into our ability to think outside the box… a skill we’ll take straight into our work. Exhibit A, this newsletter.

#5. Memory Power-Up 

Following complex plots strengthens our working memory, proving that keeping track of every timeline in Yellowjackets is basically a mental marathon.

#6. Big D (Dopamine) Hits  

There’s no better feeling than when a theory pans out, and that burst of dopamine reinforces the 4 hours you’ve been sedentary. Twitter is my favorite place to watch theories unfold.

#7. Storytelling Skills 

Watching how these shows unfold makes us better at crafting narratives, whether it’s for marketing, sales, or just keeping people hooked on our emails. Black Mirror reminds me to literally just stop being boring and a lot of my problems would be solved.

So while we’ll always have a soft spot for feel-good rom-coms and predictable happy endings, we’re also here for the occasional what did I just watch?! moment.

Because sometimes, stretching our brains a little makes the next Hallmark season that much sweeter.

Xo, The Salesgirls

P.S. Need some recommendations? Here are some of the best twisty shows on TV right now IMO:

• Severance: A mind-bending workplace thriller that will have you questioning reality. One of my favorite pieces of television ever. If someone wants to talk about last week’s finale my inbox is OPEN for business. Now streaming on Apple TV.

• Yellowjackets: A mix of survival drama, psychological horror, and mystery that keeps getting darker. Disturbing, but I’m in too deep to not find out what happens. Watch at your own risk. Now streaming on Paramount+.

• Dark: If you love time travel, conspiracies, and needing a whiteboard to track the plot, this one’s for you. Disclaimer: I haven’t seen this one, only been told that I should. Now streaming on Netflix. 

• White Lotus: Mainstream suggestion but I absolutely adore the format of showing watchers the end and making us guess how it all transpired. Inspirational character development. Now streaming on Max.

• Black Mirror: Not a traditional mystery, but each episode is a twisted, thought-provoking ride and at least one episode per season keeps me up for weeks. Now streaming on Netflix.

• What did I miss?!