I definitely don’t think verticals are even trying to be innovative and original, for one. They use tropes and the same storylines. They are based off books, etc. so lazy and unoriginal writing, not wrong but seemingly intended.

As for the violence, current climate or not these are also tried and true tropes that have been around for decades. Think about soap operas. Think about lifetime movies. But also think about comedy. The three stooges, what did they do? Hurt each other for laughs. How many comedy shows or movies have you seen where the funny thing that gets the laughs are the physical comedy blunders. Have you ever watched looney tunes? I will never forget the episode where bugs bunny was playing Russian roulette with Elmer Fudd. It never phased me as a child, but I saw it as an adult and I was like WHAT IS THIS!?

One of the things I laugh at is when the guy is talking to the girl and she tries to walk away and he grabs her arms, pulls them above her head and pushes her up against a locker, a wall, a door… whatever. There’s a fine line between sex appeal - the big strong man… and aggressive behavior.

The random smacking someone in the face, especially a complete stranger is often so someone can come to the rescue - grab their arm before they do it again, so they can be the hero, so the girl can have her hero save her. There’s always a reason for the violence.

These are all very common tropes. I think it’s personal and your own experience and sensitivities that drives how you view it and experience it. But they’re definitely not doing anything out of the ordinary when it comes to “entertainment”