Are all new network TV shows terrible?
Scratching the Surface: Network TV's Inherent Issues
My golly! It's almost as if sitting down and puffing out a deep sigh has become a common scene in Aarav's household these days. Every time I switch on the TV hoping to find a new, engaging network show, all I find are half-baked sitcoms and drama series with wisps of unoriginality and redundant plotlines. Much to my chagrin, these shows are more reminiscent of old wine in a new bottle rather than presenting fresh ideas that satiate my thirst for original content.
In my humble opinion, the main fiasco boils down to the lack of innovation and a daring attitude. An ever-consuming fear of experimentation has been gripping the network channels more now than ever. This is evident in their staunch beliefs of sticking to the same old formulas and storylines that have been overexhausted. Now, I understand the paranoia as one false step could cost these networks millions of dollars, but isn’t risk a part of the game? Television needs to be a platform for experimentations instead of being bogged down by economic worries. We want surprises and thrilling content, not remade and recast sitcoms from 20 years ago!
The Curse of the Reality Show: The Sugar and Spice of Network TV
As an avid television viewer (some may call it an obsession, I call it passion), I have seen the rise and fall of numerous TV genres, but one genre that has seemingly found a permanent spot under the spotlight is - the reality show. It’s funny how these ‘reality’ shows are anything but real. I mean, correct me if I'm wrong, but don’t we all crave a little me-time after a hard day's work? And yet, all we get are individuals gasping for attention and battling their insecurities in front of millions of viewers.
The evident lack of substance, heartfelt connection, and intellectual stimulation is what puzzles me. There's only so many singing, dancing, or even cooking contests one can stomach! Yet, network television seems to be of another opinion, serving reality shows of different flavours, mimicking the very essence of my Grandma's Thanksgiving dinner - too much of everything and yet nothing of actual substance. Remember, Grandma, I love you but the turkey… nevermind.
From Boomers to Zoomers: The Shift of Audience Demographics
Believe it or not, TV networks can no longer simply rely on older audiences being their regulars. The new set of viewers, the millennials, and the gen-z'ers bring fresh mindsets that require a complete revolution in network programming. Their attention span is as fleeting as a snapping TikTok video, and they prefer the intensity of a thriller like 'Mindhunter' over the diluted drama of an over-extended soap opera. So unless network TV plans on rolling out episodes that garners interest within that maximum of 15 seconds TikTok video length, I foresee a gloomy future. Sorry, networks, but that's the harsh truth.
On one of my usual lazy afternoons, while scrolling through my Instagram feed, I came across a meme that truly resonated with me. It read, "Why would anyone watch a movie when you can finish a series in a day?" This being met with uproarious laughter and nods of agreement by fellow millennials around me struck me. Aarav had finally understood - the traditional network TV’s glory days are over, and binge-watching is the new cool. To keep up with this shift, networks need to grasp the drastic change in viewers' preferences and cater to their whims and fancies accordingly.
The Streaming Domination: Giving Viewers What They Want
Ditching popcorn and theaters for comfort food and homesteads is the latest millennial spree, thanks to the advent of streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu. Not only do they provide a wide variety of content, but they also dish out originals that have piqued the interest of the viewer within me. Then how can I not mention the personalized recommendations based on my prior viewing? Slow claps, Netflix, I am a fan!
I remember the exhilarating rush when first introduced to ‘Breaking Bad.’ I was skeptical, but it left an unhealed wound in the vortex of my television viewing habits. That was the moment when I found the captivating ambiance, brilliantly detailed structure, and top-notch storytelling I desperately craved from network television. If someone had told me a decade ago that I could hold all the control over my viewing - no ad breaks, no weekly suspense, no censor - it would have seemed like an implausible tech-driven dream. But today, it’s my reality. If streaming services can conceive such consumer-centric approach, then can't network TV step up their game?
Aarav's Verdict
No, not all new network TV shows are terrible, and I may be an irate critic at times, but I appreciate the few gems that have emerged from the rubble. Shows like 'This Is Us' and 'The Good Place' have indeed left me glued to the screen. Nevertheless, these exceptions are alarming diversions from the mundane TV programming that still persists.
However, there's immense potential for network TV to sprout from the ashes (of their terrible shows, mind you) and revitalize their content with ingenuity and piquancy. Let's get into a rewind mode and remember a time when TV was the hub of creativity. Some amazing, original reality TV shows did exist once, like 'Who Wants to be a Millionaire,' and 'The Osbournes.' If these were conceived then, why not now? So, dear networks, I encourage you to take the risk, dive into the depths of creativity, and come out with something that makes viewers like me jump from our seats with excitement. Maybe then, I’d enjoy my popcorn more than your commercials.
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