
The Disturbing Fame of the Paul Brothers
- Apr 4, 2025
The new series "Paul American" introduces its viewers to the world of Logan and Jake Paul, two YouTube personalities who've found fame for their scandalous, loud, and brash behavior. The series depicts the brothers' attempts to remain relevant amidst various controversies and scandals, ranging from Logan's infamous broadcast from Japan's "suicide forest" to allegations against Jake of sexual assault and crypto fraud.
Both brothers have managed to stay defiant and have leaned heavily into their 'bad boy' image, curating it meticulously. While the show is an unpalatable watch for those outside the Pauls’ core fandom, the glaring size and devotion of their fanbase can be quite startling for others.
The Paul brothers, with their unabashed, uncensored behaviors and their audacious stunts, seem to be a show made for the contemporary crass, chaotic era of American life. They have refused to censor themselves, not for political correctness but for sanity or tranquillity, and continue to seek attention relentlessly.

Despite their undeniable fame, marked by view counts, the Paul brothers are rather uninspiring figures. Their exploits and narratives are monotonous and tired, with only their constant clamor for attention bearing any mark of authenticity.
Their show is merely an echo of the show's central theme - the relentless pursuit of fame and notoriety. It's a similar theme to shows like "The Kardashians," though the Paul brothers lack the charisma or appeal of such stars. Watching their relentless pursuit can feel aimless, devoid of value, and simply consuming empty calories.
In essence, the reality show "Paul American" mirrors the disturbingly crass and scandalous elements of YouTube culture, where provocative, attention-grabbing behaviors equate to success. The Paul brothers, seemingly impervious to cancellation, display an undeniable trait shared by many - the desire to be the center of attention. However, their crude, ungoverned approach to achieving this sets them apart, marking them as troubling figures emblematic of a dispiriting cultural moment.
