In the glitzy yet gritty realm of television, OnlyFans is taking center stage, reflecting the messy economic realities of our time. Picture this: on the show "Margo’s Got Money Troubles," Elle Fanning's character, Margo, transforms herself into a metallic green alien for her OnlyFans subscribers. This unconventional career move is a lifeline for Margo, a single mom who lost her restaurant job, and it's a storyline that resonates with many viewers.
Margo isn't alone. In fact, she's part of a growing community of over 4.6 million creators worldwide who have found a stage on OnlyFans. This platform, famous for its risqué content, has infiltrated mainstream TV, with appearances on hit shows like "Euphoria," HBO's "Industry," and even a parody on "Abbott Elementary." The common thread? People are navigating a challenging economy, and traditional jobs just aren't cutting it anymore.
“You see the rise of hustle culture, and it could look like driving for DoorDash or Uber, or it could look like OnlyFans,” says Rufi Thorpe, the author behind "Margo’s Got Money Troubles." “But people are trying desperately to afford their rent.”
Rufi Thorpe, whose novel inspired "Margo’s Got Money Troubles," believes that the financial strain many face has fueled the cultural rise of OnlyFans. A recent CNN poll backs this up, revealing widespread pessimism about the economy. With inflation biting into wages and a bleak job market, especially outside of healthcare, many are turning to alternative income streams.
OnlyFans is changing how sex work is depicted on television. No longer just victims in crime shows, characters are portrayed as savvy individuals using the platform to make ends meet. Bridget Crawford, a law professor, notes that the platform's appeal lies in its ability to offer sex work without physical contact, presenting it as a financially viable option.
Comedian and OnlyFans creator Gracie Canaan echoes this sentiment, revealing she made $4,000 in her first month. For her, OnlyFans is a creative outlet and a profitable venture. “This is something I want to keep doing,” she shares. "And I know from having jobs that I hate, that in order for me to keep doing it, I have to really enjoy it and the way I find joy from it is being creative."
Even on "Euphoria," OnlyFans is a plot point, with Cassie, played by Sydney Sweeney, using the platform in an attempt to fund her wedding. While this portrayal has sparked controversy, it reflects the platform's complex role in modern culture.
Interestingly, the perception of OnlyFans is evolving. Chloe Cherry, who plays Faye on "Euphoria," attributes this shift to economic factors. "It has nothing to do with empowerment or power," she comments, "but everything to do with capitalism and a struggling economy."
With its increased visibility on TV, OnlyFans continues to spark conversation about the intersection of economy, culture, and personal choice. Whether it's Margo, Cassie, or even Janine from "Abbott Elementary," these characters reflect a new reality: the quest for financial stability in uncertain times.