As the proverbial curtains draw on two stalwarts of televised storytelling – Succession and Barry – one can't help but look around and ask, “Where have all the good shows gone?” Much like the lone survivor of a horror film venturing into a silent, eerie forest, we, the brave audience, venture into the dense labyrinth of streaming services searching for that elusive beast: Quality Television.
Once upon a time, flicking on the TV was like opening the door to an artistic wonderland. Nowadays, though, you're more likely to be assaulted by the mediocrity monster.
The giants of the streaming industry – Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and MAX – that once promised endless entertainment now seem to offer nothing more than a sea of sameness.
Are they failing us? We used to devour their delectable dramas like starving wolves. Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, The Crown, Stranger Things, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel… but the dish has lost its flavor. Or perhaps, have we become culinary snobs, turning our noses up at a once-fine spread of artistic cuisine?
Modern streaming platforms seem to believe that we want more reality TV, dating shows, and low-stakes competitions about baking or making pottery. Really, who knew there were that many ways to bake a loaf of bread or throw a clay pot?
What happened to compelling, scripted television, we cry out in the wilderness, echoing through the void of unoriginality. The titanic void left behind by the departure of Succession and Barry emphasizes the lack of fresh ideas and engaging storytelling in the current landscape.
Perhaps, our streaming overlords think that gimmicks are the key. Throw in a few interactive episodes, like Netflix’s Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, or make it a 'choose-your-own-adventure' style viewing experience. As fun as these might be as occasional treats, they're no substitute for the thrill of sinking your teeth into a well-crafted narrative, carefully kneaded and baked by a team of skilled writers.
One wonders if the giant entertainment corporations are so focused on the quarterly bottom-line that they've forgotten the essence of their trade – compelling storytelling. Television isn't merely an industry but an art form, one that has the power to shape cultures, influence minds, and touch hearts.
So, what can we, the frustrated audience, do about it? Perhaps, it's time for a revolution – not one with pitchforks and torches, but with discernment and purchasing power. Unsubscribe from services that no longer satiate your creative hunger. Explore lesser-known platforms that are experimenting with innovative ideas. Demand quality over quantity.
In the digital age, we've been sold the illusion of choice. With thousands of titles at our fingertips, it's easy to believe we're in control. But are we truly choosing, or are we merely consuming what's fed to us? It's time to assert our agency.
The silver lining of this gloomy cloud is that history has taught us that art thrives in adversity. Perhaps this very frustration will fuel the birth of a new golden age of television. Until then, let's keep our standards high, our feedback loud, and our optimism undiminished.
Because, ultimately, we don't just want television. We want good television.
Pay the writers.
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