Do you like it when you pick a show or movie to watch, everything about it looks like it will be funny and joyful. Then later it suddenly turns into a serious drama? Many dislike the trope called Cerebus Syndrome on television for multiple reasons. In this blog, we will discuss how this type of programming impacts viewers who have anxiety. And other mental health issues that could surface from such an unexpected tone shift.

A Tone Shift

Cerebus Syndrome is a tone shift towards dramedy during a comedy series’ run, coined by Eric Burns-White on the review blog Websnark after the process undergone by the print comic Cerebus the Aardvark. This trope occurs in any story/series that starts light, episodic, and comedic, then adopts dramatic elements and a more coherent continuity over time. An example is the show ReBoot, which was initially about computer components protecting their town in a primarily comical fashion until the end of season two. After that, the stakes rise, and the series becomes significantly darker. The show turns sharply back into a more comedic show around season four. It’s a pretty good whiplash of emotions; when this process happens in a single moment, it’s a gut punch.

Cognitive Overload Due To Cerebus Syndrome

Many viewers can see how annoying Cerebus Syndrome can be, however, my objective is to explore how these types of shows affect people with anxiety.” Most people who have any form of anxiety don’t want to invest in something they know very little about. let alone get invested in a fun series that turns into depressing commentary. A large amount of research shows that people who have anxiety and even ADHD would prefer to watch the same shows or movies. This gives a sense of comfort, control, and familiarity in their lives. Additionally, some entertainment affects their cognitive load.

Keeping that in mind, it makes sense that people with anxiety would re-watch the same shows where they would be aware of any tone shifts. Their worries constantly cluttered their cognitive abilities, so many wouldn’t want to risk watching something new with Cerebus Syndrome.

Sunken Cost Policy

One of the prominent examples is essentially “The Sunken Cost Policy,” where you have already invested in a series, whether it’s the time spent watching or if you happened to purchase the film or series. To quote Dr. Lieberman in an interview with Health.com; “It may seem counterintuitive since it doesn’t make sense that someone would want to keep watching a show that makes them feel anxious or depressed, but they are drawn like a moth to a flame”

When the show enters a tone shift, the viewers are invested and need to see the end. They can feel reassured that the protagonists have happy endings and that the bad guys were punished. Although they may turn off the program, that would cause anxiety; however, those who have very active minds, such as ADHD or similar, will get that nagging feeling of “what if?” or “what would happen.”

Extreme Shifts From Cerebus Syndrome

There’s nothing inherently wrong with the Cerebus Syndrome, it’s especially nice in the context of a series maturing with its creator and audience. They are comfortable with those turns. The issues occur when the tone shift is so extreme that the cartoon about fun shenanigans turns into a dark drama. To avoid this issue, a recommend researching or waiting until the series is completed. If there are any major tone shifts to prevent being blindsided by the change in genre. Though Cerebus Syndrome isn’t a terrible concept in entertainment, it is difficult for many to digest, particularly people with anxiety. The best way to counter or at least lessen the issues with severe tone shifts is to research the show before watching any series.

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