why do they show their hand so much?

[jdl22]

It's generally believed that barring unusual circumstances it is a bad move to show your cards if you're not forced to. Very frequently you will see the players on tv show one or both of their hole cards after they win the pot when the other players fold.

Why?

[Edge34]

And because the networks like showing these "brash, arrogant plays". They only show like 25% of the hands, so they need to pack in as much drama as possible.

-Edge

[Mike Haven]

when a "normal" play has been made there is little to be lost (or gained) by occasionally showing your hand - it is normal for a KK to raise pre-flop and on a J72 flop, etc, so you are not giving away any info of consequence

on the other hand, if some unknown player bluffs Hellmuth with a 74o they hope to become famous for being the cause of a good TV tantrum when they show him their "smart play", and this might not be the best move, for various reasons