Entertainment is no longer something we simply watch; it is an environment we inhabit. While we have lost the simplicity of a single, shared culture, we have gained a world where every individual can find their tribe and every creator has a platform. The challenge for the future lies in balancing this endless variety with a renewed effort to find common ground through the stories we tell.
Look at the data. The Great British Baking Show continues to pull viewership numbers that would make a Marvel director weep. Ted Lasso became a psychological necessity. On TikTok, the hashtag #CozyGames has over 10 billion views, centered entirely on Animal Crossing and the slow-paced, debt-repayment satisfaction of PowerWash Simulator . Even in cinema, the biggest juggernaut of the year isn’t a superhero movie—it’s Barbie , a plastic-coated existential comedy set in a world where the biggest conflict is the patriarchy (and a lack of enough whipped cream for the blender). ExxxtraSmall.22.07.21.Haley.Spades.All.The.Rave...
Popular media is no longer just "the big hits." It’s composed of millions of micro-niches, from ASMR and "BookTok" to hyper-specific gaming walkthroughs. 3. The Influence of Algorithmic Curation Entertainment is no longer something we simply watch;
Streaming services have enabled the creation of new and innovative content, such as binge-worthy TV shows and interactive movies. They have also provided a platform for new voices and perspectives to emerge, with many streaming services actively seeking out and promoting diverse and underrepresented talent. Furthermore, streaming services have made entertainment content more accessible than ever, with many platforms offering affordable subscription models and allowing users to watch content on a variety of devices. Look at the data
Another challenge facing the entertainment industry is the issue of mental health and wellness, with many entertainment professionals struggling with the pressures of the industry. The rise of social media has also created new challenges for the entertainment industry, with many celebrities and influencers facing intense scrutiny and criticism from their fans and the media.
We have spent five years doomscrolling. We have survived a pandemic, a political apocalypse, and the slow enshittification of the internet. We are tired.