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There was a period when I could not bring myself to watch "The Office," whether it was the U.K. original or the American adaptation, despite the latter's effort to moderate some of the awkwardness. Both iterations were excellently crafted, but they reminded me too much of the office environment I was trying to avoid after spending over eight hours a day at a desk job. At that time, I found shows like "The Sopranos" more escapist and soothing than a brief office comedy. My perspective changed once I began watching "Industry," the drama on Max that takes the crown from "Succession" as the best show on television—provided you don't work in finance, which thankfully, I don't. Having not worked in a physical office for 15 years means I can now enjoy office-themed TV shows without carrying the day's stress into the viewing experience.
I take pleasure in watching characters grapple with their burdens. The allure of watching corporate drama, where characters in high positions must ruin their lives to maintain their status, is now captivating to me. Shows like "Mad Men," "Severance," and "Succession" revolve around this theme and delight in portraying the plight of wealthy characters trying to maintain their position. In "Industry," although the characters have money, they never seem to have enough. They overindulge in vices without finding satisfaction and desire to be acknowledged by influential figures, only to be horrified when this brings scrutiny. The show masterfully illustrates the unending dissatisfaction and the pressures of a capitalist society where the climb up the ladder means a greater fall. As an outsider to this world, I relish watching these characters face constant challenges.
While I enjoy this cathartic escape, many still can't escape their corporate reality due to the pandemic's remote work trend. A friend of mine, who works within the finance sector, finds "Industry" stressful to watch because it closely mirrors real-life anxieties. Though the show's representation is heightened with constant jargon, it captures the industry's frenetic energy. The character Eric Tao resonates with my friend due to his wisdom and experience, yet vulnerability to the same desires for power and status. Despite the familiarity, the show induced anxiety for my friend, mirroring the pressures of their work environment where presenting ideas is fraught with risk and judgment.