Into It: A Vulture Podcast with Sam Sanders

Culture Is Back: Why We Love 'The Golden Bachelor' and Those Weird TikTok Livestreams

Jul 21, 2023

Hosts Bobby Finger and Lindsey Weber join Sam to discuss Barbie merch collabs, ABC's 'The Golden Bachelor', and the popular TikTok trend of NPC livestreams. They also chat about social media influencers during Hollywood strikes and express their excitement for the unique choice of 'The Golden Bachelor' star.

35:09

Episode guests

Bobby Finger

Lindsey Weber

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

The emergence of NPC livestreams on TikTok showcases the versatility and adaptability of the platform for creative content creation and monetization.

Influencers who are part of unions face a dilemma during strikes, with some torn between participating in solidarity and fulfilling contractual obligations to promote projects from the studios they are striking against.

Deep dives

The Rise of NPC Livestreams on TikTok

One of the internet's hottest trends on TikTok is the emergence of NPC livestreams, where influencers role-play as non-playable video game characters and interact with viewers. The streams involve repetitive movements and scripted dialogue, mimicking the behavior of video game NPCs. Viewers can send requests and comments, and influencers earn tips for performing them. While some see it as reminiscent of Black Mirror, others find it creative and entertaining. The trend showcases the versatility and adaptability of TikTok as a platform for content creation and monetization.

Introduction

2min

Tabloid Gossip and Barbie Merch Collabs

6min

Discussion of Products and Introduction of Sponsors

4min

Excitement for 'The Golden Bachelor'

8min

Entertainment and Artistry

5min

Influencers During Strikes and Independent Films

11min

Acknowledgements and Request for Listener Submissions

2min

It's Barbenheimer weekend and Sam is joined by none other than Who? Weekly hosts Bobby Finger and Lindsey Weber for our own doubleheader — of games. First, we break down the long list of Barbie merch collabs from Burger King to Progressive to Uno. Then, we discuss ABC's The Golden Bachelor and why it's never too late for love; social media influencers joining the Hollywood strikes; and the confusing yet popular TikTok trend of NPC livestreams.

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