So, I went to settle in for a relaxing evening with Strictly Come Dancing on BBC iPlayer. But something was amiss.
Instead of picking up where I left off with Anton's witty remarks, I was greeted by "Continue Watching" selections I didn't recognise. A nature documentary about squirrels? A children's show about a singing aardvark?
The Great British Binge-Off (Without Me!)
At first, I thought maybe I'd had a particularly strong cheese dream. Perhaps I sleep-streamed some niche programming.
Then I saw it: an episode of EastEnders that was halfway through. I haven't willingly watched EastEnders since Den Watts served Angie divorce papers.
Panic started to set in. Was I hacked? Had I accidentally left my account logged in on a public computer somewhere? Or was I simply losing my mind?
I changed my password, naturally. But the mystery remained.
The Case of the Curious Consumption
The next day, more strange viewing appeared. A documentary about vintage train sets, and a cooking show featuring bizarre combinations like peanut butter and pickles.
I racked my brain. Who could be behind this peculiar binge-watching spree? My elderly neighbour, Mrs. Higgins, had once mentioned a fondness for train sets... But peanut butter and pickles? Never.
Then, a thought struck me. My nephew, little Timmy. He stayed over last week!
He's a fiend for all things digital, and always wants to watch Bluey on repeat when he visits.
Could he have accidentally (or deliberately!) logged into my account on his tablet?
Unmasking the iPlayer Imposter
A quick phone call to my sister confirmed my suspicions.
Apparently, Timmy had been "exploring" my account. He'd discovered the wonders of documentary film-making and the questionable delights of extreme cuisine.
My sister was mortified. I, on the other hand, was secretly amused.
It turned out the peanut butter and pickle episode was a dare between Timmy and his older cousin. And the train sets? Well, even I have to admit they looked strangely appealing.
"He thought it was like a secret library of TV," my sister confessed, sheepishly.
A Shared Viewing Experience (Sort Of)
So, now I have a slightly skewed viewing history on my BBC iPlayer account.
But it's also a reminder of the little surprises life throws our way. And a testament to the insatiable curiosity of a small boy with a tablet.
Maybe I'll even give that train set documentary a try. And perhaps, just perhaps, I'll understand Timmy's fascination with those singing aardvarks.
And next time Timmy visits, I'll make sure to set up a profile just for him. That way, my own viewing habits can remain safe from the clutches of squirrel documentaries and questionable sandwich fillings.
After all, some things are too sacred to share, even with family. Although, I am now strangely curious about that peanut butter and pickle combo...