The Holmes Student Center’s lounge television has become a beacon of hope for bored commuters and soap opera fanatics.

Sometimes all 22 seats in front of the television are filled, said Marissa Nigro, a sophomore accounting major and a clerk at the student information desk.

Jeanette Biava, a ResTech staff member, said she tries to catch “All My Children” every day.

“I got addicted by accident,” she said. “It was in the winter, and it was cold outside. It was a warm place to go, and at first it was only a day or two, but then I got very interested in it.”

Norm Jenkins, assistant director of the Holmes Student Center, said many people gather there because of the convenient location.

“I think it’s terrific that they are taking advantage of one of our services,” he said. “It’s a good central place in the middle of a large campus, and people can sit down and relax.”

Jenkins said he sees significant variety in the crowds, from commuters to people who have nothing to do.

Senior communication major Sarah Crawford said she is thankful for the television.

“I commute, so I don’t have a place to sit [between] classes, and this is as good as any,” she said.

Johnny Irbine, DeKalb resident and a self-professed “bum,” said he frequently takes a seat because of boredom.

“When there isn’t any work, I sit and watch,” he said. “Sometimes I just people watch.”

Biava said the lounge is her preferred lunchtime destination.

“It’s really a social thing,” she said. “My friends and I sit and eat and watch during our lunch hours. It’s better than staring at the wall.”

There are no regulations or sign-up sheets for the television. Nigro said the majority rules, with “General Hospital” being the most popular choice.

“The guys make sarcastic comments because they don’t want to watch the soap operas,” she said. “It’s pretty funny.”

Irbine said he watches “Animal Planet” in the morning and “NYPD Blue” and “Judging Amy,” which is one of his favorites, in the afternoon.

“I like the way she judges people,” he said.

Crawford said she has yet to get sick of the adventures of Sipowicz and the crew.

“I haven’t seen [all the ‘NYPD Blue’ episodes], but I’m well on my way,” she said.