People Watching

People Watching is a thought-provoking, animation-focused web series that was aired from 2017 to 2018. The show is a unique creation by Canadian artist, Winston Rowntree, widely known for his webcomic "Subnormality." The show was exclusively released on the Cracked.com YouTube channel, and it comprises two seasons, with ten episodes in each.

The series accomplishes a wide range of multilayered narratives, primarily centered on millennials and distinct, individual narratives in urban life. Each episode delves into different subjects and provides a refreshing perspective on contemporary societal and existential issues faced by ordinary people. The animation impressively rejoins the comic strip style and infuses meticulous details to make every frame visually enticing.

People Watching aims to explore the underlying complexities of human life and society's norms and expectations. It seeks to highlight the pressing challenges faced by young adults in today's rapidly evolving world. Topics the show explores include depression, loneliness, societal judgement, existential dread, and the struggle with self-identity. Each episode is a standalone narrative featuring different characters and shifting perspectives, providing a glimpse into the intricacies of their personal daily life struggles and triumphs.

The characters in People Watching are a mix of different social strata, experiences, and mindsets. They navigate their life in an urban setting, often conflicting with societal norms, dealing with bouts of introspection, insecurities and balancing professional and personal front. Their stories are heartwarming and relatable, often leaving viewers with a sense of empathy, a cacoethes to introspect, and a contemplative thought to mull over long after the episode ends.

One of People Watching’s prime strengths is its ability to handle and present a wide range of subjects seamlessly. The show effortlessly switches between serious discussions about mental health, body image, societal pressures, and more light-hearted dialogue about the peculiarities of online dating, cosplay fanatics, and the occasional existential crisis.

The dialogue complements the simple yet rich animation style with strikingly intelligent, witty, and thought-provoking writing. The tone varies from satirical to serious, often accompanied by a subtle humor that alleviates the profound, intense moods. The episodes manage to create a strong emotional resonance with viewers despite their short duration, mainly due to the compelling storytelling.

The format of People Watching is unique in many ways. It steps out of the confinement of traditional animation shows and follows a much less linear narrative strategy. It shuffles through various styles such as monologues, dialogues, flashbacks and even breaks the fourth wall to actively include the audience in the narrative's discourse.

Another striking feature of People Watching is its distinctive portrayal of reality through its visual style. The comic strip animation style may appear a bit non-traditional to regular viewers at first glance, but the richness of the visual storytelling quickly takes over. The nuances in the background, intricate details in the frames, and the specific expressions of each character add a lot to both the aesthetics and the essence of the narrative.

With its subtle critiques on societal norms and thought-provoking narrative, People Watching has carved its niche as a must-watch for those interested in anthropological analysis and intellectual discourse. Its realistic and compassionate representation of ordinary people and their struggles is sure to resonate emotionally with audiences.

In conclusion, engrossed in genuine character development, precise animations, and captivating storytelling, People Watching serves as both an art form and profound social commentary. Despite its primary target audience being millennials, the universality of its narrative transcends age boundaries and proves relevant to anyone interested in exploring the complexities of the human condition and society. The show's exploration of genuine human emotions in a lighthearted yet significant manner makes it a groundbreaking web series that has redefined the animation genre.