Let's be honest, most of us have found ourselves caught up watching trash TV to escape from our own mundane or difficult lives. You don’t need to be ashamed of it because you're not alone. There’s something thrilling about watching other people's lives unfold in front of us, it scratches an itch of sorts which is undeniable. Psychologically, this kind of viewing behaviour can be traced back to our deep-rooted urge to understand social dynamics, power structures, and relationships, but without the risks associated with real-world interaction. Part of it is the voyeuristic pleasure we derive from observing intimate moments from a distance. Watching these hyper-real lives on-screen gives us a sense of connection without the discomfort of emotional investment.
Another reason we’re drawn to such shows is the escapism they offer. The absurdity of it all makes us momentarily forget our own realities and immerse ourselves in a fantasy world where larger-than-life characters engage in dramatic spats over trivial matters, or flaunt their designer outfits. By comparison, our own lives seem far more grounded and manageable. Whether it's lavish lifestyles, petty rivalries, or over-the-top antics, these shows make you roll your eyes while also providing guilty pleasure that's hard to resist.
As a 20-something, shows like these help me break free from the monotony of daily routines. The silly drama and nonsensical plots are so far removed from the mundane that they make you question your own life choices, like “What am I even doing with my life?” or “I need more drama in my own life.” However, not everyone’s life is as flamboyant or exciting, so we rely on these shows to fend off boredom—and naturally so. For me, when life feels repetitive or slightly overwhelming, from the pressures of work to personal struggles, I can switch off for a while, laugh at other people's problems, and feel lighter in the process. After all, misery loves company.
When it comes to ‘top-tier’ trash TV, The Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives takes the crown. You’ll (hate)-watch episode after episode, finishing the series in one sitting—well, at least I do. Watching privileged women in the upper echelons of Indian society navigate their lives has a certain charm of its own. The clothes are enviable, the confrontations are often staged, and the show might lack substance, but it gives us a glimpse into an otherworldly planet of the rich and famous that we can never truly access, making it all the more alluring.
If you’ve already binged The Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives and are hungry for more, here are some similar shows that are perfect for your next cringe binge.
