Why We Can’t Resist “Bad” Television

“I need to unplug.” This familiar phrase often escapes our lips when we feel stressed or overwhelmed after a mentally taxing day. A considerable number of the 176 million employed or self-employed Americans find solace in zoning out in front of their TV or digital screens. Entire industries have emerged and evolved to satisfy this craving for escapism. Intriguingly, instead of choosing intellectually stimulating dramas like AppleTV+’s ‘Severance’ or classics like HBO’s ‘The Wire,’ many gravitate towards “bad” television shows such as ‘Emily in Paris’ or the panned and now-canceled ‘Sex/Life’. What compels us to intentionally seek out “bad” TV shows, and why does watching them feel as comforting as snuggling by a warm fireplace on a chilly day? Read More