The Rise of Hate Watching

Hate watching has emerged as a significant cultural phenomenon defined as watching shows that viewers love to criticize, rather than enjoy. Alyssa Wilkinson explains that these shows often start as something viewers have an earnest interest in but devolve into frustrating territory, leading to a cycle of viewing out of morbid curiosity or a desire to critique. The accessibility of streaming services has exacerbated this trend, as algorithms recommend shows based on viewing habits, sometimes inadvertently nudging people towards content they dislike. This reflects a broader societal shift where many individuals find comfort in experiencing shared frustrations and snarky commentary with others, blurring the lines between love and hate in media consumption.