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?
These are television shows that exploit people who have the mental illnesses which result in obesity.
You wouldn’t take a bunch of people with clinical depression and make a show called “smile, ya dipshit” about them.
Biggest loser is centered around the idea that losing weight is the answer to people’s problems when it’s not.
The one where they have these severely ill people living their lives is just so others can watch, leer, and feel quietly superior that “at least I’m not those people”.
They are just exploitative, harmful garbage.
Introducing our newest reality show, “Smile, Ya Dipshit.” It’s the uplifting tale of everyday depressed individuals as they battle their way through life while we prod and cajole them to find that inner happiness within themselves. Watch as these brave contestants attempt to smile against all odds, as our team of experts forces them into stressful situations meant to inspire joy. Will these victims of melancholy be able to overcome their debilitating emotions, or will the crushing weight of their sadness prove too much? Join us every week to witness the struggles and triumphs of those striving to become happier, one forced grin at a time. So sit back and enjoy the rollercoaster ride that is “Smile, Ya Dipshit!”
forced to spill entire history of childhood SA and is depicted to have it resolved after brief pep talk with coach
The same garbage humans who enjoy public humiliation porn like Judge Judy. An absolute deal breaker in a relationship, for me.
How does Judge Judy get lumped in with the exploitative shit like My 600lbs Life? IIRC, she’s an arbitrator and the two “contestants” are having her settle a dispute instead of going to a real court since that would take longer and cost more and still be public knowledge you could get from the courthouse.
Because it’s vicious and mean spirited shit. People don’t watch Judge Judy to see her adjudicate a dispute. They want to watch her humiliate people. I don’t care if you don’t agree. I don’t care about your opinion, period. It’s plain as black and white, and I won’t watch that shit, and I won’t associate with people who think it’s entertaining.
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.
You said it better than I ever could.
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.
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.