I’m watching both of these shows in their entirety and I don’t know why they’ve historically gotten so much backlash. One reviewer called TBL “a dumpster fire of a TV show” and others seem to think M6L is downright abusive. However, I can’t find anything particularly bad in either.
Although it’s true that in TBL the contestants are losing an egregious amount of weight each week, it’s likely (actually almost certain) that most of this is water weight and it would have been more dangerous to instead not lose the weight. The intense exercise scenes seem pretty typical for anybody who’s serious about athletics. Finally, the famous “damaged metabolism” study that shut down TBL turned out to be debunked due to “damaged metabolism” being a boring, normal adaptation under high physical activity.
And although there are tons of bare naked shower scenes in M6L, everyone knew that going in and they agreed anyway. Some also complain how the stars don’t receive enough support for things like therapy and other cost centers. I would say that would actually have been a great thing to add, but it would be impractical at scale and have a high chance of bankrupting the production with how much healthcare costs, resulting in a net loss of benefit for those who need the surgery.
So, what’s your viewpoint here?
You know what, I completely agree, and it’s the anonymity of the internet that lets us talk about these real feelings.
I personally do not like the emotional toll that most shows take on me. I find most of the things that people find wildly funny to be really mean spirited.
I watched one episode of the office and I was so revolted by the paper thin excuses to set up “situations” for racist, sexist, homophobic and generally cruel gallows humor.
I see shows like Family Guy and American Dad, and while I can give them fair praise for often having very biting commentary, again it feels like they are gratuitous in how awful they aim to be.
I too judge others based on their preferences in these shows. I know people that watch various ones, and they all sit teem with spiteful glee as they watch and discuss them. I find that quite revolting and I also agree with you, it speaks to their character.
Why anybody would want a show where people conspire against each other, or damage their own bodies, or make complete asses of themselves, or watch them get talked down to by a snappy no-nonsense judge is beyond me.
That last paragraph just made me think about It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. The entertainment is seeing the horrible people done in by their own horribleness.
The thing about Sunny is you know they’re all awful people. Ironically, the meanest people on The Office are the protagonists.
I don’t want to see “sympathetic” horrible people in my forms of entertainment. I don’t want to see the world through their lens or sympathize with them. I don’t want to see them get their comeuppance.
I really think those shows are thinly veiled excuses for people to wallow in spite and delight in suffering.
You said it better than I ever could.