Worth It: Life$tyle

Worth It: Life$tyle is a BuzzFeed creation that delves into the world of luxury items and experiences, exploring whether the hefty price tags attached are truly justified. First aired in 2016, this video series presents a fresh take on the 'worth it or not' debate by subjecting a wide array of luxury products and services to their unique and brutally honest reviews.

At the helm of this intriguing series are Steven Lim and Andrew Ilnyckyj, whose undeniable chemistry and vibrant personalities add an extra dimension of entertainment to the show. Steven and Andrew are the very image of regular guys on an extraordinary journey, presenting an often humorous and relatable point of view that serves to engage the audience throughout each episode.

Each episode of Worth It: Life$tyle follows a structured format. Steven and Andrew take the viewers through three variants of the same commodity or experience - one at a modest price, another with a mid-range cost, and a third one that is high-end. This includes everything from a $30 pair of jeans to a $2,000 pair of premium designer denim, or a $4 slice of pizza to a $250 gourmet pizza topped with luxury ingredients. The hosts engage with each experience fully, allowing viewers to vicariously enjoy, or condemn, the product/service alongside them.

The stars of the show don't shy away from any aspect of luxury, and they are just as willing to engage in an extravagant $10,000 spa day as they are to study an affordable $100 massage. What's noteworthy is how the hosts approach each extravagance - from the most humble to the outrageously expensive - with the same level of curiosity and respect. Each episode is an exercise in comparison, with the duo weighing up the relative values and benefits of each item or experience to determine whether it's truly 'worth it'.

It's not just about the price tags, though. Worth It: Life$tyle goes a step further, taking viewers behind the scenes for an intimate look at how these luxury products are made or these premium services are provided. Skilled artisans, chefs, designers, and other professionals are often interviewed, providing their insights into the craftsmanship, time, and resources that go into providing a luxury experience. This component adds a sense of depth and authenticity to the review process, underlining the often unseen value that is associated with luxury items.

The show also spotlights the cultural and social context of the items or services under discussion. This raises the conversation beyond simply 'is this worth the price,' to a more nuanced discussion that includes cultural significance, artisanal skill, and impact on the consumer's lifestyle and feelings of self-worth. In some instances, the show digs into the ethical and environmental considerations that come with producing luxury goods.

Worth It: Life$tyle is deftly edited and professionally produced, offering glossy visuals and slick transitions that align seamlessly with the show’s luxury theme. The series is a burst of fun and entertainment, has an edifying element making it informative, and a down-to-earth, relatable vibe despite the extravagant elements it often features.

The show is equally about the hosts' reactions as it is about the products. Their candid responses and light-hearted banter do much to entertain and keep the show grounded, along with their clear determination to maintain objectivity in all their reviews. The duo's camaraderie, interjected with friendly squabble and witticisms, swiftly endears them to the viewers and adds a special charm to the whole viewing experience.

Worth It: Life$tyle by BuzzFeed isn't just a showcase of opulence; it's a bridge between the luxury world and the common man through the eyes of Steven and Andrew. It provides viewers with an opportunity to see life at various price points and to explore the concept of value in a nuanced and comprehensive way. Whether or not you're in the market for luxury goods or experiences, this series offers an engaging, enlightening, and entertaining look into what it might mean to live the 'high life'.