15 of the weirdest TV shows that’ll have you wondering why they even exist
By Sundi Rose
3. My Strange Addiction
What it is: A documentary-style show, (in the way of InterventionI) it follows people who have unusual ticks or compulsions in which they can’t control. The show has featured stories that include a woman who eats toilet paper, a woman who “drinks air,” and another who has to sleep with her blow dryer running under her covers at night.
The yuck factor: So, so high. We’re, quite literally, watching people in the throes of a mental breakdown. Most of those featured are grappling some major emotional demons, and the “strange addiction” is mostly a function of their attempt at coping.
Although it’s awful to watch, it is still quite fascinating. Scratching our American itch for morbid curiosity, the show doesn’t flinch away from even the hardest moments. It’s a tough, tough watch, and not enough time is spent getting the folks the help they desperately need.
Most of the episodes consist of cameras gawking at these poor people, watching them unravel, while only a few minutes are devoted to visits with a psychiatrist.
Where and how: As a testament to how much audiences love to watch other people suffer, this show has aired for seven seasons. You can watch seasons 4, 5, and 6, on Hulu and TLC’s website. You’ll have a hard time finding other seasons, but there are plenty of clips to get the gist.