Culture

How Did I Become So Averse to Hype?

The Pitt, Severance, Sinners, you name it: For some reason, the more popular something is, the more likely I am to resist it.

First published in The Atlantic on March 11, 2026.

by Anna Holmes, The Atlantic

March 12, 2026 | reading time: 7 Min.

These days, everyone seems to be watching The Pitt—but not me. I hear it’s really good. I have to believe it’s good, in fact, because people in my social circle—and Emmy Award voters—won’t stop saying it’s really good. “I’m riveted,” one friend said. “It’s addictive,” another said. “I’m surprised you haven’t seen it,” yet another said. But honestly, the more people who recommend the show, the less likely I am to watch it.