I wasn't going to go as far as to say its intellectual masturbation, but I see your point. I think once people start decomposing the world through a materialist lens (intentionally or not, usually just through exposure to new ideas or there own material conditions) its easier to spot the gaps in the ideology running through media. The fact that the gaps can be so glaring can make them seem intentional, maybe even radical , when the consumer is looking for that.

I guess that's my masturbatory way of saying its projection.

As someone who doesn't consume much media in the way of shows or movies I hate this pattern. I've been disappointed by a number of them this way: the substance, squid game (haven't watched s2), etc. They're still enjoyable on their own but its another way to overhype content. Its fine to just enjoy the show even if it doesn't teach a radical message.