Television shows in 2025, from Netflix’s Squid Game to HBO’s Euphoria, are increasingly saturated with trauma-driven narratives, sparking debates among viewers, critics, and psychologists globally, including in India. On June 2, 2025, posts on X and articles in The Guardian highlight growing concerns that intense themes—violence, abuse, and mental health struggles—are overwhelming audiences, diminishing TV’s escapist joy.
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This trend, evident in shows filmed in urban centers like Los Angeles and Mumbai, aims to reflect real-world complexities but risks desensitizing or distressing viewers, prompting calls for balance with lighter content.
The Rise of Traumatic Storytelling
Shows like Squid Game Season 3 (Netflix, June 2025) depict brutal survival games, while Euphoria Season 3 (HBO, January 2025) delves into addiction and assault, earning praise for raw authenticity but criticism for glamorizing pain. In India, Criminal Justice: A Family Matters (JioHotstar, May 2025) tackles murder and betrayal, reflecting a global shift toward gritty narratives. A 2025 study from the University of Michigan, cited by Forbes, found that 60% of viewers feel emotionally drained by trauma-heavy shows.
Impact on Audiences and Mental Health
Psychologists warn that constant exposure to trauma on TV can trigger anxiety, especially in younger audiences. Dr. Anjali Chhabria, a Mumbai-based psychiatrist, told that Indian viewers, particularly Gen Z, report heightened stress from shows like Mirzapur, where violence dominates. The EU’s 2025 investigation into platforms like Pornhub for child safety risks, reported by The Hindu, underscores broader concerns about harmful content, including TV’s graphic depictions
The Loss of Escapist Joy
TV’s shift from feel-good shows like F.R.I.E.N.D.S. to dark dramas risks alienating viewers seeking escapism. While Ted Lasso and The Great Indian Kapil Show offer relief, they’re outliers in a trauma-heavy landscape. Critics argue that networks prioritize sensationalism for ratings, as noted by Variety, with streaming platforms commissioning 65% more “dark” shows in 2025 than in 2020. Indian audiences, per Drishti IAS, crave balance, with regional comedies gaining traction on JioHotstar.
A Call for Balance
While trauma-driven stories resonate, over-saturation threatens TV’s role as a joy-bringer. Creators must blend depth with levity, as seen in Panchayat, to restore balance. As viewers demand more uplifting content, networks and platforms face pressure to diversify, ensuring TV remains a source of entertainment, not exhaustion.
-By Manoj H
