Awkward moments attract viewers
It’s official: Young Americans thrives on awkward moments.
What was once an avoided situation is now considered Grade-A comedy gold. From the Facebook.com group “Awkward moments define my life” to shows such as “The Office”, awkward moments are all over the place.
Just take the new TBS commercial, which advertises watching your favorite show’s “most awkward moments” on their Web site.
Or the new wave of movies produced by Judd Apatow, which are overflowing with awkward moments: “Superbad,” “Knocked Up,” and the latest “Forgetting Sarah Marshall.”
Today, Americans have a different definition of funny. Twenty years ago, would fans of “Caddyshack” and “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure” be fans of Hollywood’s awkward professionals today, i.e. Michael Cera and Steve Carrell?
When my mom tuned into “The Office,” she didn’t find anything funny about Jim’s stolen glances at the camera or Dwight’s over-the-top mannerisms.
Finding these situations funny is a new-age phenomenon.
Maybe awkward is the new poop joke. Maybe awkward is a passing fad.
But for now, keep those uncomfortable situations and unintended silences coming. The audience loves it.
The opinions expressed above are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the State News.