Hate Watching Needs to Stop Following Disney's Surprising Early Renewal Announcement

The phenomenon of hate watching isnt new, but recently it has reached unprecedented levels. Hate watching is when people watch a show or movie specifically to mock it later, often online or in private chats. This trend recently propelled Ryan Murphys new legal drama, Alls Fair, into Hulus most-watched new scripted series, despite widespread criticism.

The series, starring Kim Kardashian, even surpassed Alien Earth with 3.2 million views. Critics and viewers alike consider it one of the worst shows produced in recent years, yet it has already been renewed for a second season. Murphys track record shows he can deliver hits, with American Horror Story and Glee having standout seasons, but Alls Fair begins with a chaotic premise and continues downhill with characters that feel completely detached from reality.

Kardashian plays a high-powered divorce lawyer who specializes in divorces involving wealthy clients. The opening episode depicts her shaming a man to secure a $200 million settlement for her client, despite a prenup. Although there is space in television for women-led legal dramas, Alls Fair feels more like a Real Housewives skit than a serious show. Even stars like Sarah Paulson, Glenn Close, and Naomi Watts cannot salvage it.

The danger of hate watching is that it gives bad shows unintended success. Kim Kardashians show is proof: viewers tuning in to mock it ended up boosting its ratings. Previously, the effects of hate watching were seen with films like Morbius, which Sony re-released after viral attention, only for Jared Leto to fail commercially twice with the same movie.

Hate watching can transform terrible shows into hits. Series like Game of Thrones and The Walking Dead shifted from cultural phenomena to objects of mockery, while movies like Tron: Ares and series like Just Like That and Rebel Moon have drawn attention primarily through negative buzz. This differs from the so bad its good approach, which allows viewers to enjoy and laugh at a movie, often in groups or via podcasts.

A true hate watch is deliberate: viewers know they will despise the content and use it to fuel criticism online or elsewhere. Engaging in this behavior benefits the content creators because every view, hashtag, and click inflates their visibility. Alls Fair, spin-offs of The Walking Dead, and Jared Letos films continue despite widespread disdain because people keep watching and engaging with them.

The advice for genuine critics: dont feed the algorithms. Ignore the shows, avoid clicking headlines, and leave the content to fade. Real haters simply acknowledge the work isnt worth their time and move on.

Alls Fair is streaming on Disney+ and Hulu, but resisting the urge to hate watch ensures the trend doesnt reward bad content.

Author: Sophia Brooks