I've been observing the recent trends in online comedy, particularly the proliferation of "Try Not To Laugh" challenge videos. While undoubtedly popular, I pose the question: are these challenges inadvertently hindering the development of truly original comedic content?
Many of these videos, while entertaining, rely heavily on curating existing viral clips or predictable setups. This formulaic approach, while effective for engagement, can lead to a saturation of similar content and potentially disincentivize creators from investing in more innovative sketch comedy, character-driven humor, or unique comedic narratives. It feels like a 'race to the bottom' in terms of novelty, where rapid consumption often prioritizes immediate, low-effort laughs over thoughtfully crafted comedic pieces.
Thoughts? Do you think the emphasis on these challenges is a net positive or negative for the broader comedy landscape?