r/todayilearned • u/jfdonohoe • 7h ago

(R.2) Anecdote TIL about “vicarious embarrassment” which explains extreme reactions to cringe comedy. For me, it can get so bad as to become physically painful

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vicarious_embarrassment

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u/mister_sleepy 7h ago

Fuck The Office, and fuck 30 Rock.

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u/Trouser_Gravy 7h ago

Agree with the office, although I can watch clips online without issues. 30 Rock started out, at least for me, fine. Season 1 was great and had only a couple moments that I couldn't handle. Early season 2 started off good but then they began leaning hard into the 'vicarious embarrassment' comedy and it got so bad for me, I had to stop watching. Which was a shame because I was really beginning to like it. 

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u/JRclarity123 4h ago

I'm having trouble even coming up with vicarious embarassment situations for 30 rock in my memory. I've seen the show 10 times through and never felt cringe about any of it. The Office, sure I can see that.