The phenomenon involves internet personalities who create content focused on obscure or forgotten media. This content often takes the form of documentaries, analyses, or comedic reactions to films, television shows, video games, and other forms of entertainment that are difficult to find or no longer widely known. A common example would be a video essay dissecting the history and impact of a short-lived animated series from the 1990s that only aired on a regional television network.
The cultural significance stems from its role in preserving and disseminating knowledge about niche or otherwise overlooked pieces of cultural history. The work performed by these creators provides accessibility and context, preventing such works from being entirely forgotten. Furthermore, this type of content fosters a community of individuals interested in archival research and the preservation of cultural artifacts, prompting discussion and analysis around the processes of media production and consumption across different eras.