Some are meant to surprise jaded viewers.
But some film scholars and filmmakers say that horror films serve another purpose: they penetrate the defenses of even the most jaded viewer in a way that straight historical dramas can't.
Familiar though it is, Roman Polanski's classic horror film can still send shivers through the most jaded viewer.
The jaded viewer mocks the gag, then promptly buys it.
The move is also emblematic of changes in programming as networks try to find the next genre to capture the attention of jaded, restless viewers.
As reality TV producers introduce more vulnerable people to pull in jaded viewers, they have increased the psychological help available.
Advertising for Internet startups was about pushing boundaries and using whatever means necessary - a casual stance toward violence, an embrace of sexual polymorphism - to be noticed by young, jaded viewers.
The tactic seems meant to jolt jaded viewers out of their complacency.
Fellowes brought all the tight, witty scripting of a Hollywood adaptation to an original story, topped off with a gigantic, knowingly camp wink that delighted jaded viewers.
Liem concluded his review by summarizing "In spite of its flaws, Love still gave this jaded viewer a warm fuzzy feeling all over as the credits rolled".