entertainment
January 13, 2026
Competency porn: is there any greater escapism than watching a capable person on TV?
In 2026, when it feels as though the world is moments away from any number of disasters, there is nothing hotter than watching someone do their job really, really well
TL;DR
- In 2026, a growing trend finds people attracted to content demonstrating exceptional job competency.
- This phenomenon, referred to as 'competency porn', offers escapism from a world perceived to be in disarray.
- Examples include fictional shows about a struggling newspaper, a successful hospital drama, and online videos of intricate crafts.
- This contrasts with older forms of escapism like fantasy, which now feel too close to reality.
- Content featuring people quietly excelling at their jobs and improving things without fuss is favored.
- The characters in these popular shows are often depicted as wealthy, tasteful, and highly competent.
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