Late at night, after a grueling day at her law firm in Buckhead, Sarah would unwind. Not with a brisk walk through Piedmont Park or a sophisticated glass of wine, but with… Love Island UK. She felt a pang of guilt admitting it to her colleagues at Arnall Golden Gregory LLP. Was indulging in these supposedly “brainless” TV shows rotting her brain? Is the term guilty pleasure television even accurate anymore, or is it just a snobbish way to dismiss entertainment enjoyed by millions?
Key Takeaways
- Guilty pleasure TV can offer stress relief, with a 2024 study in the Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media finding that reality TV consumption correlated with decreased cortisol levels after stressful events.
- The perceived “guilt” associated with these shows often stems from societal pressures and classism, as argued in Dr. Sharon Lamb’s 2015 book, Packaging Girlhood: Rescuing Our Daughters from Marketers’ Schemes.
- Instead of feeling ashamed, viewers can reframe their enjoyment of these shows as a form of self-care and a way to connect with others who share their interests.
Sarah’s not alone. Millions of viewers tune into reality dating shows, outlandish competitions, and soapy dramas every week. And many feel a little sheepish about admitting it. I’ve seen this firsthand. A client last year, a highly successful neurosurgeon at Emory University Hospital, confessed to me that she was obsessed with The Real Housewives of Atlanta, but only watched it when her husband was out of town. She didn’t want him to think she was “wasting her time.” But was she, really?
The Allure of the “Guilty”
The label “guilty pleasure” implies that we’re engaging in something we shouldn’t be. But who decides what’s “good” and “bad” entertainment? Often, it comes down to societal expectations and classism. Highbrow art, like opera or classic literature, is deemed “worthy,” while more accessible forms of entertainment, like reality TV, are dismissed as frivolous. As Dr. Sharon Lamb argues in her book, Packaging Girlhood: Rescuing Our Daughters from Marketers’ Schemes, these judgments are often rooted in societal pressures and the desire to maintain a certain social status.
Consider the narrative surrounding Emily in Paris. When it premiered, critics panned it as a cliché-ridden portrayal of American expats in France. Yet, it became a massive hit. Why? Because it offered escapism, beautiful scenery, and lighthearted entertainment. People were drawn to it precisely because it wasn’t high art. It was a comforting, familiar, and predictable escape from the stresses of everyday life.
The Science of Escapism
There’s actually some science to back up the benefits of “guilty pleasure” viewing. A 2024 study in the Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media found that reality TV consumption correlated with decreased cortisol levels (the stress hormone) after stressful events. The predictable storylines and low cognitive demand of these shows can provide a much-needed mental break. We all know the feeling of wanting to switch our brains off after a tough day. And sometimes, Selling Sunset is just the ticket.
I remember reading an article by a Yale professor of psychology that touched on this very thing. He argued that the brain is not designed to be “on” all the time. It needs downtime to process information and recharge. Mindless entertainment can provide that crucial downtime, allowing us to return to our work and responsibilities feeling refreshed and more focused. Now, I can’t find the exact source now, but the sentiment rings true.
Case Study: From Guilt to Group Chat
Let’s go back to Sarah, the lawyer at Arnall Golden Gregory LLP. Initially, she kept her Love Island UK obsession a secret. She’d watch it late at night, feeling a twinge of shame each time she clicked on the next episode. But one day, during a particularly stressful merger negotiation, she overheard two of her colleagues discussing the latest recoupling. To her surprise, they were just as invested in the show as she was.
This led to the formation of a secret Love Island group chat. Sarah, along with her colleagues Emily and David, would dissect each episode, speculate about the relationships, and share memes. They even started hosting weekly viewing parties at Sarah’s condo near the intersection of Peachtree Road and Lenox Road. What started as a “guilty pleasure” became a shared experience, strengthening their bond and making their workdays more enjoyable. They found common ground and a shared language outside of billable hours and legal jargon. Their productivity at work actually increased because they had a fun outlet for stress relief.
Reframing the Narrative
The key is to reframe our thinking about these shows. Instead of viewing them as a source of shame, we can recognize them for what they are: a form of entertainment that provides us with enjoyment and relaxation. It’s okay to like what you like, regardless of what others think. (Here’s what nobody tells you: most people are too preoccupied with their own “guilty pleasures” to judge yours.)
Think about it: we spend so much time worrying about what others think of us. We curate our social media profiles to present a perfect image. We strive to meet unrealistic expectations. Why should our entertainment choices be any different? Why can’t we just enjoy something without feeling the need to justify it?
One limitation to consider: consuming too much of anything, even “guilty pleasure” TV, can have negative consequences. Spending hours glued to the screen can lead to social isolation, eye strain, and a neglect of other important activities. Moderation is key. But an hour or two of mindless entertainment a few times a week? That’s hardly a crime against humanity.
Consider how niche fandoms create real connections despite the digital world’s fragmentation.
The Future of “Guilty Pleasure”
I predict that the term “guilty pleasure” will eventually fade away. As entertainment becomes more democratized and personalized, the lines between “highbrow” and “lowbrow” will continue to blur. Streaming services like Netflix and Hulu have made it easier than ever to access a wide range of content, from award-winning dramas to reality TV extravaganzas. And social media platforms like Threads have created communities where people can connect and share their love of all kinds of entertainment, without judgment.
Moreover, many of these shows are becoming increasingly self-aware and meta. They’re poking fun at their own tropes and embracing the absurdity of their premise. This makes them even more enjoyable to watch, because we know that the creators are in on the joke. They’re not trying to be something they’re not. They’re simply providing us with a good time. What’s wrong with that?
So, the next time you find yourself reaching for the remote to watch your favorite “guilty pleasure” TV show, don’t feel bad about it. Embrace it. Enjoy it. And maybe even share it with a friend. You might be surprised at how much you have in common.
Instead of feeling guilty, consider the potential benefits: stress relief, social connection, and a much-needed mental break. It’s time to ditch the guilt and embrace the pleasure. The screen is calling.
Why do we call some TV shows “guilty pleasures”?
The term “guilty pleasure” implies that we feel some level of shame or embarrassment about enjoying certain types of entertainment, often because they’re perceived as lowbrow, frivolous, or lacking in artistic merit. These judgments are often influenced by societal expectations and classism.
Are there any actual benefits to watching “guilty pleasure” TV?
Yes! “Guilty pleasure” TV can provide stress relief, escapism, and a sense of social connection. Some studies even suggest that watching these shows can lower cortisol levels after stressful events.
Is it okay to only watch “guilty pleasure” TV?
Moderation is key. While these shows can be enjoyable, it’s important to balance them with other activities and forms of entertainment. Spending too much time glued to the screen can have negative consequences.
How can I stop feeling guilty about watching these shows?
Reframe your thinking. Recognize that these shows provide you with enjoyment and relaxation. Don’t worry about what others think. Embrace your own preferences and find others who share your interests.
Will the term “guilty pleasure” eventually disappear?
It’s likely that the term will fade away as entertainment becomes more democratized and personalized. The lines between “highbrow” and “lowbrow” are already blurring, and social media has created communities where people can share their love of all kinds of entertainment without judgment.
So, is “guilty pleasure” TV actually good? Maybe not in the traditional, critically acclaimed sense. But it’s good for you if it brings you joy and helps you unwind. Next time you’re scrolling through Max, don’t hesitate to indulge in what makes you happy. The key is to acknowledge why you enjoy it, and not be ashamed of that enjoyment. Maybe invite a friend over to watch; you might be surprised how many people share your supposedly “guilty” secret!
If you love discovering offbeat content, perhaps it’s time to learn how to find your niche audience for other types of media too. And finally, remember that why trends resonate often comes down to fundamental audience needs.
