Television shows gaining a substantial audience outside of their country of origin is far from rare in 2025. Perhaps the biggest success story in this realm has been K-dramas, but "slow TV" has also drawn a growing number of admirers.
What started as a way for bored SI editors to amuse themselves during the slow period of the sports calendar soon grew into an annual event capable of subsidizing much of the rest of the magazine.
"Late night TV is just not that relevant in today's television world," said Jeffrey McCall, underscoring the shifting landscape of entertainment and viewing habits.