Bad Internet

Through the lens of satire and humor, Bad Internet, a YouTube Red original series from 2016, pokes fun at society's increasing reliance on technology and the internet. In a time when our society is more interconnected than ever before, this anthology series offers a wry take on the possible (and often dystopian) future of the internet, poking fun at how big corporations run our digital lives and the unforeseen consequences of our online addiction. Each episode of this series is a standalone story, portraying different, exaggerated scenarios of technological advances gone awry.

Created by CollegeHumor, a popular comedy website known for their comedic sketches, Bad Internet brings its smart, outrageous and often dark humor to this anthology series. The show combines an adept understanding of web culture with dire predictions for a tech-dominated society, unraveling a series of parodic yet thought-provoking tales. With ten episodes in its maiden season, the show is anchored in diverse, dystopian narratives, each underpinned by signature humor and each featuring satirical takes on different internet tropes.

Throughout the first season of Bad Internet, viewers will be taken on a tour of different worlds and times, showing that no matter the scenario, tech and the world wide web have significantly impacted the characters’ lives. For instance, one episode might introduce viewers to a world where dating websites can predict your perfect soulmate with 100% accuracy, while another might dive into a hyper-competitive world dominated by search engine companies. In another thematic offshoot, the show might present viewers with an internet that has developed its own civilization, standing as a dystopian mirror to our own.

This comedic anthology series has assembled an eclectic cast of comedic actors and internet personalities to bring each episode to life. They excellently exhibit their versatility, playing different roles in varying episodes, being hilariously lovable in one and absolute villains in another. The superb performances by the cast add an additional layer of charm to the scripts, which seamlessly mix humor with thought-provoking commentary.

Notably, Bad Internet is not just a series of laugh-out-loud scenarios about technology and the internet. While it's certainly comical, it also uncovers some darker underpinnings about social media's effects on individuality, the obsession with likes and followers, the reduction of people to data points, the corporatization of the internet, and how humanity might lose control over technology. However, these serious themes are presented subtly and balanced with the show's comedic aspects, ensuring that the viewer's entertainment remains a priority.

Although it presents numerous dystopian futures throughout its episodes, the tone of Bad Internet remains largely satirical and funny rather than overly grim or heavy-handed. It skillfully straddles the fine line between being a derisive spectacle of where humanity could be heading and a chilling cautionary tale. Viewers will find themselves laughing at the absurdity of the situations, yet the underlying message resonates deeply and prompts reflection about our real-life societal trends.

The production quality of Bad Internet is commendable. Each separate story presents a convincing portrayal of the future, making use of high-quality sets, costumes, and special effects. The attention to detail in creating these future worlds amplifies the show’s satirical strength, with every episode being visually engaging and each creating a distinct impression.

In conclusion, Bad Internet is a unique and unprecedented blend of comedy, satire, and dystopian science fiction that offers a thoroughly entertaining critique of our digitally driven society. Its intelligent allegories and playful yet insightful commentary on our internet culture make it a must-watch series. Whether you're a fan of satire, a tech enthusiast, or simply someone interested in our society’s future, Bad Internet will make you laugh, think, and perhaps even reconsider your relationship with technology.