9.8 / 10 (based on 28 reviews)
Cody Ko and Noel Miller poke fun at cringe-worthy videos on the internet.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Cody Ko, Noel Miller, Garrett Spock
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 19 episodes, 15-minute runtime
Shows Most Like That’s Cringe (2017)
The Real Bros of Simi Valley (2017)
9 / 10 (based on 1640 reviews)
Living in Simi has been pretty chill for these four best friends, but now that high school ended 10 years ago, it might be time for the bros to grow up.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Nick Colletti, Cody Ko, Getter, Colleen Donovan
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
3 seasons, 25 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
GOAT Rodeo (2017)
7.8 / 10 (based on 28 reviews)
The strikingly “handsome,” incredibly “intelligent,” and aggressively “positive” Cody Ko says what everyone else is thinking as the world falls into chaos around him.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Cody Ko, Noel Miller
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes
The End of the F***ing World (2017)
8 / 10 (based on 199110 reviews)
James is 17 and is pretty sure he is a psychopath. Alyssa, also 17, is the cool and moody new girl at school. The pair make a connection and she persuades him to embark on a road trip in search of her real father.
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Crime, Drama, Romance, Thriller
Main Cast: Jessica Barden, Alex Lawther, Steve Oram, Christine Bottomley
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 16 episodes, 25.0-minute runtime
In the realm of online entertainment, few series have managed to capture the essence of modern internet culture as distinctly as “That’s Cringe.” Launched in 2017, this series quickly found its niche by tapping into a universal, albeit somewhat guilty, pleasure: the enjoyment derived from viewing content that’s awkward, uncomfortable, or just plain bad. This series, hosted by Cody Ko and Noel Miller, two comedians with a knack for witty commentary, invites viewers to explore the depths of cringe-worthy content alongside them.
The Concept
At its core, “That’s Cringe” is simple. Cody Ko and Noel Miller sit down to watch videos that are, for lack of a better term, cringe-inducing. This content ranges from misguided music videos, eccentric personal vlogs, to bizarre educational content. The duo then provides their unfiltered reactions, critiques, and often, a healthy dose of mockery. What sets this series apart isn’t just the content they choose but the chemistry between Cody and Noel. Their interactions are a blend of sarcasm, genuine amusement, and at times, disbelief at what they’re watching.
The Appeal
You might wonder, what’s the appeal? On the surface, it seems like a straightforward reaction series, a genre that’s hardly new. Yet, “That’s Cringe” has resonated with a wide audience. Here’s why:
Relatability: In an age where everyone is a content creator, we’ve all stumbled upon or even produced content that, in hindsight, might not be our proudest moment. Watching Cody and Noel navigate through these awkward videos feels like sitting with friends and laughing off our own embarrassing attempts at going viral.
Comedic Chemistry: Cody and Noel’s dynamic is the beating heart of the series. Their ability to bounce off each other’s jokes, provide insightful commentary, and yet keep the atmosphere light and entertaining is a rare find. Their friendship and mutual respect for each other shine through, making viewers feel like part of the gang.
A Break from Perfection: In a digital landscape dominated by polished, curated content, “That’s Cringe” offers a refreshing break. It celebrates the imperfect, the awkward, and the human side of internet fame. It’s a reminder that behind every polished influencer or content creator, there are dozens of failed takes, awkward pauses, and less-than-glamorous moments.
Memorable Episodes
Throughout its run, “That’s Cringe” has provided us with numerous memorable episodes. Here are a couple that stand out:
The “Girl Defined” Series: Perhaps one of the most well-known episodes involves the duo reacting to videos by Girl Defined, a Christian YouTube channel aimed at young women. The contrast between Cody and Noel’s modern, often irreverent views on dating and relationships, and Girl Defined’s traditional, conservative advice, provided not only comedy but also insightful discourse on the diversity of beliefs and lifestyles.
The “Visco Girls” Episode: In this episode, Cody and Noel delve into the world of VSCO girls, a subculture characterized by a specific aesthetic and lifestyle. Their exploration and attempts to understand the phenomenon highlighted how quickly internet trends come and go, and how out-of-touch they can feel with rapidly changing youth cultures.
Impact and Legacy
The impact of “That’s Cringe” extends beyond just laughs. It has sparked conversations about what we consider entertainment, the ethics of reaction content, and how we navigate the vast digital landscape. Cody and Noel have managed to create a space where viewers can confront the awkwardness of internet culture, laugh at it, and perhaps understand it a little better.
Moreover, the series has inspired a wave of content creators who aim to blend humor, critique, and commentary, proving that there’s a hungry audience for content that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Criticisms and Challenges
No series is without its criticisms, and “That’s Cringe” has had its share. Some argue that the series sometimes walks a fine line between humor and mockery, potentially at the expense of those featured in the videos. Cody and Noel have addressed these concerns, emphasizing their intent to critique the content, not the individuals. They’ve shown a capacity to evolve, being mindful of the impact their words can have.
Conclusion
“That’s Cringe” is more than just a reaction series. It’s a cultural commentary on the state of internet content creation, a celebration of the awkward and imperfect, and a testament to the power of humor in building community. Cody Ko and Noel Miller have crafted a series that resonates with the digital generation, reminding us that it’s okay to laugh at ourselves and the sometimes absurd world of online content. As we move forward, the legacy of “That’s Cringe” will undoubtedly be its ability to turn cringe into a form of connection, making us all feel a little less alone in our digital missteps.