The rise of niche interests on the internet has given birth to a unique phenomenon known as “competency porn.” This term describes the allure of television shows and movies that focus on individuals demonstrating exceptional efficiency in their work—skillfully planning, executing tasks, and solving problems—without any elements of sexual content. A prominent example of this trend is the American series The Pitt, which premiered its second season in January. Set in a Pittsburgh hospital‘s emergency room, each episode portrays doctors and residents tackling the pressures of a strained healthcare system.
The concept of “competency porn” was first introduced by American screenwriter John Rogers in 2009 on his blog. During the production of the series Rules of Engagement, the writing team found that opening an episode with a calm, well-structured scene connected well with the audience. Rogers remarked on how the appeal stemmed from watching competent individuals interact and plan, leading them to label this engaging formula as competency porn.
Since its inception, the idea of competency porn has evolved, extending to shows like the FX series The Bear, which explores the world of haute cuisine. The genre draws parallels to the portrayal of hyper-competent journalists in films like All the President's Men and Spotlight. Additionally, fictional representations of military and criminal operations are often shared widely on social media as quintessential examples of this genre.
Katrin Tiidenberg, an Estonian researcher focusing on social media practices and self-care technologies, suggests that viewers elevate what they cherish to a near-erotic or romantic level. This trend is essentially a response to the contemporary social and political landscape. The portrayal of effective individuals starkly contrasts with the chaos and dissatisfaction many people feel regarding institutional legitimacy, government trust, and corporate reliability. Tiidenberg warns that such admiration can also reflect a yearning for authoritarian governance.
Over 40 years ago, Polish psychoanalyst Dolf Zillmann noted that entertainment choices are often driven by a hedonistic desire to regulate emotions. However, just as personal interests in pornography do not necessarily manifest in real-life behaviors, the enjoyment derived from observing highly competent characters does not guarantee a boost in one's efficiency. Tiidenberg points out that while this viewing experience may serve as inspiration or motivation, it does not ensure that viewers will emulate what they see.
Moreover, this intriguing genre includes characters who excel in their respective roles but are ethically ambiguous or flawed in their personal lives. Shows such as The Jackal, centered on a hitman, and Dr. McKay in the first season of The Pitt, who faces legal issues after a personal conflict, reflect this complexity. Tiidenberg explains that flawed yet highly skilled protagonists are consistently captivating; they provide a sense of hope for viewers who feel different, bridging the gap between aspiration and reality.
