Imagine a $5 million mansion located just outside of Los Angeles: 11,293 square feet within a gated community spanning across 20 acres of land, a seven-car garage and an indoor home theater that can seat up to 11 people. A house like this would not be an atypical sight in the prosperous Santa Rosa Valley. However, what sets this house apart from the others is the fact that it is the Hype House — the biggest content house on TikTok and home to ten of the most popular TikTokers on the platform. 

On Jan. 7, 2022, Netflix released the eight-episode show “Hype House,” which lets viewers see what really goes on inside the most successful content house. Following the life of TikTok stars Chase Hudson (better known as Lil Huddy), Thomas Petrou, Larray Merritt, Nikita Dragun and more, the show focuses on what happens behind the screen. Similar to other popular reality TV shows, such as “Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” “Hype House” includes drama-filled moments, heart-to-heart conversations and everything in between.  

At first glance, “Hype House” may seem like a show not worth watching — it is about young adults who post 15-second TikTok videos on the internet for a living. From an outside perspective, these creators live a lavish life of recording TikToks and then spend the rest of their day doing nothing. How could any regular Netflix watcher relate to any part of these creators’ daily lives?  However, “Hype House” dives into the deeper issues influencers deal with — especially ones not expected to come with becoming a millionaire at age 20. 

While simultaneously focusing on drama-filled topics, such as betrayal between friends and crazy fans, “Hype House” does a great job of showcasing each member of the house. Throughout the eight episodes, viewers are able to get an insight on the members’ personal lives and their daily struggles. By giving the spotlight to every member through directly talking to the camera, “Hype House” allows the viewers to get to know them for who they really are. 

“Hype House” focuses on issues that come along with being an influencer. From dealing with cancel culture to public breakups, “Hype House” showcases the reality behind what is seen on social media. One of the main goals of the show is to “humanize” the creators, and it does a great job doing so by countering the identification that the members are only “privileged white kids” through revealing the hardships and struggles they face. 

“Hype House” delves into the constant pressure of social media and how the members often feel obligated to make content, even when they have little to no motivation to do so. The life of a TikToker means making content wherever, whenever and by whatever means necessary, which easily takes a toll on an individual’s mental health. What used to be fun activities, such as pool parties or get-togethers with friends that share a common platform, are no longer viewed as opportunities to relax, but as designated times to create and post as many videos as possible. 

While showcasing the stress of being a TikToker, “Hype House” also shines light on the internal conflict which occurs within the house. Throughout the show, co-founder and manager of the Hype House, Thomas Petrou, expresses his concern with members not posting content nor doing their part to make sure the house stays successful and afloat. As Petrou struggles with making sure the Hype House nets at least $80,000 per month, other members, such as Chase Hudson, have stopped posting TikToks all together and simply “reap the benefits” of living in a content house rent-free. 

The lack of content from its members brings forth the issue that the Hype House is dividing as more and more members go their separate ways, deciding to pursue other careers such as building a makeup brand or making music. “Hype House” exemplifies that despite attempts (mainly by Petrou) to make living in a content house worthwhile, the members find it quite difficult to coexist in the same house. Whether it is due to a difference in popularity, competitiveness or plain disagreements, “Hype House” touches on the realities of famous teenagers living together. 

Although “Hype House” focuses on unnoticed issues that influencers deal with and the dark reality of social media, it is hard to look past the fact that Netflix canceled highly-rated shows such as “The Society” and “Anne with an E” for a group of TikTokers who — in all honesty — did not actually need a reality show about themselves. 

However, all in all “Hype House” has important messages and gives creators a sense of humility that is not often seen through their social media presence. It allows the viewers to realize that although these creators might have millions of followers and live in a fancy L.A. mansion, they are still human just like everybody else.