Comparisons make complex situations so much easier for people to comprehend. Of course, you lose some nuance when one shorthands, but a “comp” can be like a gateway drug to understanding.
You just found a new favorite British TV show that features comedians doing weird activities and scoring arbitrary points? It’s like Whose Line Is It Anyway? plus The Amazing Race. You just heard an incredible new musical artist with vocal range from operatic to grunge-growling, clever and thoughtful writing, and extremely catchy hooks in her backing music? She’s like an alto Ariana Grande meets goth André 3000.