Draft definition of cringe comedy, since I don’t like what I’ve found so far: based on empathy towards mediocre people trying and failing to meet ordinary expectations of functional adult behavior. It’s not extreme or absurd situations. Fingernails-on-chalkboard.
Conversation
Replying to
Sarah’s definition of cringe as failed sacredness is true of regular cringe, but comic effect happens when the sacred is everyday, not necessarily sacred ritual
1
3
Trying to connect cringe to domestic cozy and great weirding systematically. When everyday functioning turns into Mount Everest level challenges and you overprep and fumble simple shit because you’ve retreated to escape trauma creep of environment, but aren’t really succeeding
1
5
Replying to
It planted some seeds esp with George, but I think curb your enthusiasm really inaugurated the genre. It was a decade ahead of its time. And it was basically “the real George”
1
1
Show replies
Replying to
I like the first part a lot – Michael Scott, Larry David, and Abbi Abrams fit this perfectly. Fingernails-on-chalkboard seems extreme – that's universally a terrible sound!
The continuance and growing popularity of cringe comedy means it's really appealing to a lot of people.
Replying to
Didn't reality TV start out like this and then gravitate towards extreme absurdity?
1
You’re unable to view this Tweet because this account owner limits who can view their Tweets. Learn more
Replying to
Yeah the office was definitely cringe, and ahead of its time. Current crop is all Michael Scotts though.
1
1
Show replies



