If you’re a fan of YouTube or TikTok, you’ve probably noticed something big happening – online shows are absolutely dominating. It seems like A-list celebrities are moving away from traditional talk shows and are instead sitting down with online creators, sweating it out over hot wings or simply chatting over some fried chicken.
Shows like Hot Ones and Chicken Shop Date are shaping trends, redefining celebrity culture, and, in many ways, making traditional media feel outdated. Let’s take a deeper look into what might be the biggest media shift in recent history.
Unscripted, awkward and on-demand
The Hollywood Reporter recently dropped its 2024 Creator A-List, featuring the 50 most influential people on the internet. A scroll through the list quickly reveals that these aren’t your run-of-the-mill celebrities – they’re YouTube stars, podcasters and internet personalities.
A decade ago, any big-name actor or singer promoting a new film or song would be seen on the likes of The Tonight Show or The Jonathan Ross Show. Today, you’re more likely to see stars on shows like Alex Cooper’s Call Her Daddy. Why? Because these shows have tapped into something that late-night TV just doesn’t quite have – real, unscripted fun.
Amelia’s awkward small talk over fried chicken on Chicken Shop Date leads celebrities to reveal quirky secrets and unscripted moments. It’s weird, adorable and it’s nothing like a formal sit-down interview. Audiences love the authenticity and celebrities love showing a side of themselves that’s relatable and human.
What’s more, platforms like YouTube and TikTok offer an on-demand model, letting viewers watch shows on their own schedules, adding to the appeal of these new platforms over traditional TV.
Even top public figures are recognising the immense reach and value of these online platforms, with current Vice President Kamala Harris recently speaking on Call Her Daddy.
Online Shows Are Now Award-Worthy
One of the clearest signs that online shows have “made it” is their inclusion in major award nominations. This year, both Hot Ones and Chicken Shop Date competed for Emmys – a level of recognition that would have been unimaginable for a YouTube show just a few years ago. These shows are officially recognised as some of the best entertainment, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with prestige TV and blockbuster films.
The Future of Entertainment is Online
We’re living in an era where online creators are setting the pace for pop culture. They’re proving that content doesn’t need to be slick and overly polished to captivate audiences. In fact, the more real it is, the better. As these online shows continue to grow, they’re reshaping what we consider mainstream and giving even more people a voice, making platforms like YouTube and TikTok the definitive spaces for entertainment.
