16 Shows Everyone Pretended to Like
Some shows looked popular on the surface, but many people were just nodding along instead of truly enjoying them.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
Not every hit TV show won viewers’ hearts, even if the ratings and hype suggested otherwise. Many people tuned in simply because their friends did or because it was trending, but secretly, they were not entertained. These were the titles you watched for appearances, not for love.
1. “Game of Thrones” Finale Fallout
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The early seasons had viewers hooked, but the final episodes left many pretending they were satisfied. Behind the excitement, plenty admitted they were just holding on for closure. It became less about love and more about loyalty.
2. “Lost” and Its Endless Mysteries
Bad Robot on Wikimedia Commons
Fans swore they loved unraveling every twist, but many secretly admitted it got exhausting. By the end, viewers pretended to understand the story just to stay in the conversation. The hype outweighed the actual payoff.
3. “Riverdale” and Its Wild Plots
The CW, Warner Bros. Television, CBS Television Studios, Archie Comics, Berlanti Productions on Wikimedia Commons
People tuned in at first for the nostalgia of Archie Comics, but the storylines became too bizarre. Still, fans claimed to keep up while rolling their eyes at every twist. It was guilty-pleasure TV disguised as must-watch drama.
4. “Keeping Up with the Kardashians”
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It was a cultural phenomenon, but not everyone actually liked watching it. Many claimed to be fans just to keep up with pop culture chatter. The show was more about status than true entertainment.
5. “Grey’s Anatomy” Never-Ending Drama
ABC on Wikimedia Commons
The show had a strong beginning, but after so many seasons, many stayed out of habit. Friends pretended they were still deeply into it, while quietly losing interest. It became more of a social obligation than a passion.
6. “True Detective” Season Two
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The first season raised expectations sky-high, but season two was a different story. Many pretended to enjoy it to defend the franchise. Deep down, it felt like a letdown.
7. “Glee” After the First Few Seasons
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At first, it was fresh and fun, but the magic faded quickly. Still, many insisted it was groundbreaking just to stay part of the fan wave. The songs often outshone the storylines.
8. “13 Reasons Why” Shock Factor
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The series stirred huge conversation, but not always for the right reasons. Many said they appreciated its depth, though they privately admitted it was uncomfortable to sit through. The buzz kept people watching more than the story.
9. “The Walking Dead” Dragging On
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Fans praised its intensity, but many grew tired of the endless cycle of survival. Still, people claimed to be hooked even when they were only half-watching. The show stretched far longer than its interest levels.
10. “How I Met Your Mother” Ending
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The build-up was legendary, but the finale left many pretending they liked it. People had invested so much time that admitting disappointment was tough. It felt like laughing along to a joke that had gone stale.
11. “American Idol” Later Seasons
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The early seasons had everyone hooked, but later years lost the spark. Still, many said they loved it because it was such a cultural staple. The excitement of discovery was long gone.
12. “Big Bang Theory” Forced Laughs
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It had a massive audience, but many felt pressured to laugh at every joke. Plenty of fans admitted later that they stuck around just because everyone else did. The laugh track covered up the weak spots.
13. “Euphoria” and Its Aesthetic Hype
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The visuals were stunning, and people raved about the style. Still, some admitted they watched more for the aesthetic than the story. It was easier to nod along than say it was overrated.
14. “Friends” Bandwagon Effect
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It is considered a classic, but not everyone actually loved it. Many pretended to enjoy it just because it was the go-to sitcom. Peer pressure kept it alive as much as the writing.
15. “Tiger King” Pandemic Obsession
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For a brief moment, it felt like the whole world was watching. Yet many admitted later that they did not really enjoy it — they just joined the trend. It was less about love and more about curiosity.
16. “Orange Is the New Black” Burnout
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The first season broke barriers and got people talking, but the momentum slipped. Many viewers pretended to keep enjoying it while secretly losing interest. It became one of those shows people finished just to say they did.