I think some people feel the need to watch every popular show to avoid feeling left out of the cultural conversation, and not only does that mindset presuppose that every show has the same mass appeal but it also makes people actively resentful of media that they feel has wasted their time when they don't find it gratifying enough within the time that they have invested in it. But they still feel the need to have "finished" it

If you're fast forwarding through a show, just stop watching it. You've already decided it isn't worth your time.