Along with true crime, they are popular with women most of all. I think there are a bunch of reasons. The shows confront something in society they fear, a legitimate threat they have to think about day-to-day. I am guessing it's cathartic watching it play out in the safety of their living rooms. I think "You" has the added element that Joe is not a bad looking fellow and he's also charming. You kind of see how someone could fall for the Ted Bundy type tricks.
Also, my partner and I are big into horror and there was an article I read recently linking the enjoyment of horror with something called "benign masochism". Basically something that would be normally be unpleasant, in this case fear, feels good when you know you are safe. Another example is eating really spicy foods. I can see this being a factor with these shows too.
MetalOcelot t1_j9kgdb3 wrote
Reply to Why are Stalker/Serial Killer Shows Popular by Any-Low9727
Along with true crime, they are popular with women most of all. I think there are a bunch of reasons. The shows confront something in society they fear, a legitimate threat they have to think about day-to-day. I am guessing it's cathartic watching it play out in the safety of their living rooms. I think "You" has the added element that Joe is not a bad looking fellow and he's also charming. You kind of see how someone could fall for the Ted Bundy type tricks.
Also, my partner and I are big into horror and there was an article I read recently linking the enjoyment of horror with something called "benign masochism". Basically something that would be normally be unpleasant, in this case fear, feels good when you know you are safe. Another example is eating really spicy foods. I can see this being a factor with these shows too.