Cringe or Complicated? The Hunting Wives Age-Gap Problem

By @Meggenharris

In my latest Substack post, I dive into the controversial narratives surrounding figures like Epstein and Diddy. Why is it that some are scrutinized intensely while others seem to escape the same level of accountability?

I unpack the complexities of celebrity culture, examining how societal norms and media narratives shape our perceptions. We also explore these themes in relation to the current Netflix hit, The Hunting Wives. How does this show reflect and amplify the double standards we see in real life?

From the stark differences in public reactions to allegations against these figures to the underlying double standards, this post challenges us to think critically about our responses. Are we quick to judge, or are we complicit in a system that allows certain behaviors to slide?

Your thoughts matter! Let’s discuss how these dynamics impact our society.

Netflix’s The Hunting Wives had me hooked… and horrified. One storyline, in particular, left me squirming: adult women pursuing high school boys.

And no, the discomfort wasn’t about the show’s over-the-top intrigue, the “lipstick-lesbian” undertones, or the “let’s throw a body in the woods” trope. It was the predatory age-gap dynamic that really made me pause—especially in a show that otherwise wants to be provocative.

I’m not a prude. I love sex, intimacy, and exploring the messy, joyful, tender, and complicated aspects of human connection. I have zero problem with age gaps in consensual adult relationships. In fact, after my divorce, I noticed that some younger men could be surprisingly emotionally available, attentive, and—dare I say—refreshingly direct. I wasn’t seeking this dynamic; it just happened.

But here’s the thing: The Hunting Wives doesn’t just show a fun power reversal between an older woman and a younger man. It depicts adult women pursuing high school boys. Sure, the show says they’re 18—but everything about the scenes screams predatory, not provocative.

  Read more on Substack: Meggen in the Middle

Comments

comments