Hate-watching

Hate-watching is still watching.

But the essence of hate-watching seems to take its cue from a wisecrack once made about newspapers: TV shows are never good enough, but a bad one is a joy forever.

In fact, hate-watching is a byproduct of a spoiled culture, awash in choices and television that aspires to greatness. You did not have hate-watching when your choices were “The Love Boat” and “Knight Rider.”

Ever since the phenomenon of "hate-watching" emerged — watching a detestable television show and sharing observations about its epic awfulness on social media — I have wondered if there were network execs cynical enough to create a show so bad that the only people who tuned in were hate-watchers.