Loves a good thunderstorm I does.
So do I , but no one else in the house either dogs or Wifey does.
Re the problem with Mrs C, feel for you, mate.
Does she not have hobbies like you do? Are there no TV progs you could record in the middle of the night or whatever and then watch together? What about box sets of stuff?
One of the problems of lockdown has been being unable to find new interests you can share. And not being able to go out for walks, meals even simply runs in the country to the pub, hasn't helped.
The other question is whether this is a serious complaint or is actually a hark-back to the other situation(s) with the offspring. My mother used to do this to my Dad so i recognise it sometimes in other wimmins' behaviour. Some wimmins, my ex included, can't stand "losing" so if they lose one battle they bide their time until they can start a battle over summat else.
If she wants you to just sit in a room with her but not next to her, then you can go along with it, as long as she agrees to "keep you company" doing something that you like doing. She could sit and knit in the corner of your workshop for instance, or do Sudoko, whatever.
If she doesn't want to do anything like this but still wants control over your behaviour when she is watching TV, she needs to explain in what way this is bringing you together.
It could also be pointed out to her that at least she always knows where you are.
As Jay Leno said, his wife was happy that he came in smelling of ATF rather than cheap perfume!
(Wonder how much "Relate" charge nowadays.)