Cringe-Comedy

Have you ever watched something, a T.V. show, or perhaps a film, that has been so uncomfortable you’ve had to look away, or maybe even leave the room? Second-hand embarrassment is something we’re all familiar with, and sometimes it’s something people actually enjoy, deriving pleasure from uncomfortable situations. This can be seen with modern T.V. shows like The Office or Curb Your Enthusiasm, as well as talent shows such as ‘Australia’s Got Talent’, or the long lost ‘Australian Idol’. But it’s also considered unbearable for some people. Dr Liz Jew-Fray, is a senior Communications lecturer at UTS, and her research interests include comedy, as well as artist and audience engagement. She joined Brooke on Drive to discuss the awkwardness of cringe-comedy and why it makes us laugh.