Why are people watching this?

Latest Episodes:

Ted Lasso Jun 23, 2025

Show notes

Ted Lasso is Dave's favourite TV show of all time - in fact, he says it's the best show ever made in the history of humankind! Justin had never seen it, but watched all three seasons. So, do Justin and Ashley agree with Dave? Listen to find out!

Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga May 12, 2025

Show notes

In honor of Eurovision 2025 (which is happening this week) we watched Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga! Justin shares his enthusiasm for this film and all things Eurovision. Ashley is on board and has been on board with Eurovision for a few years now. Dave, who is brand new to Eurovision, seems to have been charmed both by this film AND Justin's Eurovision evangelism and maybe, just maybe, will watch this year's contest. Dave also picked the next thing we're going to be watching: Ted Lasso. Which Dave describes as "the best television show ever made."

Severance? May 01, 2025

Show notes

This week Ashley chose Severance as the show we should be watching. But in this episode we barely even mention Severance! So don't worry - no spoilers. Instead, we take a super deep dive into the problem of escapism! To counteract all this deepness, Justin has chosen Eurovision as the film we're watching next week. Just in time for the 2025 Eurovision finals!

Canadian Bacon Apr 25, 2025

Show notes

We are back baby! Justin, Dave, and Ashley are re-booting Why Are People Watching This? after a short hiatus. And we've got a new format! Instead of watching whatever schlock happens to be #1 on Netflix this week, we are giving each other the opportunity to choose what to watch (on any platform and from any time period) and then justify why we should be watching it! It was Dave's turn to start, and he picked Canadian Bacon, the 1995 "comedy" written/directed by Michael Moore. Dave's reason? Because this film was bizarrely prescient in predicting the ludicrous situation of a US president threatening to invade Canada. The movie wasn't exactly what you might call "good" but there are a few parallels with what's happening politically right now, which is why Dave chose it. In this episode you get to hear three Canadians discuss the silliness of this movie and of the concept of vilifying/invading Canada, but in a polite, Canadian way (of course). And for those of you following along with what we're up to next, Ashley has recommended we watch Severance, which is what we'll be doing in the next episode. It's nice to be back, friends!

A Quiet Place: Day One Jul 11, 2024

Show notes

This week, Dave, Justin, and Ashley watched A Quiet Place: Day One. Here’s the official synopsis: “When New York City comes under attack from an alien invasion, a woman and other survivors try to find a way to safety. They soon learn that they must remain absolutely silent as the mysterious creatures are drawn to the slightest sound.” Ashley cried. Justin ranted about alien biology. Dave learned about some missing/edited footage that was vital for understanding the movie's plot!

Dune 2 Mar 24, 2024

Show notes

This week, Dave, Justin, and Ashley watched Dune 2. Here’s the official synopsis: “Paul Atreides unites with Chani and the Fremen while seeking revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the universe, he must prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.” Ashley isn’t convinced that Christopher Walken should have been in this film. Dave relived some childhood lamprey trauma. Just had a lot to say about angry anuses.

Holiday in the Vineyards Dec 29, 2023

Show notes

This week, Justin, Dave, and Ashley watched Holiday in the Vineyards. Here’s the synopsis. “While on a secret job for his mother's wine company, a man falls for the widow whose place he's renting. She is struggling to keep the local vineyard running, but the truth may spoil their yuletide romance.” Justin was bothered by the chin-kissing, and the unnecessary slandering of Fiat. Dave was amazed that everyone was so quick to forgive the morally bankrupt lying liar protagonist. Ashley was freaked out at the wanton destruction of snowboards, and the obvious shoehorning of Christmas into this film.

Rumor Has It Sep 17, 2023

Show notes

This week, Justin, Dave, and Ashley watched Rumor Has It. Here’s the synopsis. “Living in New York City, Sarah (Jennifer Aniston) must make the cross-country trip back to her home state of California for the wedding of her younger sister (Mena Suvari). Once with her family, Sarah learns some interesting things from her grandmother (Shirley MacLaine), including the family's inspirational ties to the famous film "The Graduate." But all this leads to millionaire Beau Burroughs (Kevin Costner), and Sarah wants answers -- especially since Burroughs might be her real father.” The team is joined this week by Jake and Ranke for the LAST EVER regularly scheduled episode of Why Are People Watching This?. Everyone found this to be a.... problematic film. Whether it's the incest or the gaslighting, there were lots of reasons to squirm. Dave tried to find some sort of message in the film, but even an extra large bag of red yard couldn't help him connect the dots. Jake was befuddled and confused. Ranke found all of the characters to be irredeemable - especially Jennifer Aniston. Ashley was amazed by the "old tech" and couldn't believe that there was a time when people used to "call" the "operator" to ask the names/address of people in the "directory". Justin could not believe that the main plot point of this film was the "hilarious" problem of whether the people having sex were possibly father and daughter.

Jexi Sep 10, 2023

Show notes

This week, Justin and Dave watched Jexi. Here’s the synopsis. “Phil has a major dependency issue -- he's addicted to his cellphone. He has no friends and his love life is nonexistent. Forced to upgrade to a new phone, Phil soon learns that the latest model comes with Jexi -- an artificial intelligence life coach, virtual assistant and cheerleader. With its help, he begins to get a real life. But as he becomes less dependent on the phone, Jexi starts to morph into a tech nightmare that's determined to keep Phil all to itself." Justin hated the film, labelling it "incel wish fulfillment". Dave didn't like the part with the genitals.

You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah Sep 05, 2023

Show notes

This week, Justin and Dave watched You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah. Here’s the synopsis. “Stacy and Lydia are BFFs who've always dreamed about having epic bat mitzvahs. However, things start to go comically awry when a popular boy and middle school drama threatens their friendship and their rite of passage.” Dave was fascinated by DJ Shmuley, and did a deep dive on the ritziest bat mitzvahs. Justin thought the main character was irredeemable, and didn’t understand why innocent little Mateo was in the film.