What’s Missing From Our TV Screens Right Now. Plus, Do the Movies Need Marvel?
Jun 3, 2024
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Discussion on box office underperformance of movies like 'Furiousa' and 'The Fall Guy' and the impact of Marvel movies. The need for specific types of shows on TV screens. Review of new HBO docuseries 'Ren Faire' likened to 'Succession' in a Renaissance fair setting.
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Quick takeaways
Television lacks hour-long dramas focusing on character-driven narratives without predetermined endpoints.
Quality over quantity is prioritized in TV development, shifting away from premise-heavy shows with potential continuations.
Aging viewership in traditional TV networks signals a disconnect with younger audiences, who prefer platforms like Netflix.
Deep dives
The Need for Hour-Long TV Shows with Sustainable Pacing and Longevity
There is a lack of hour-long television shows that focus on non-superpowered or dragon-riding characters without predetermined ceilings for their narratives. The current trend leans towards premise-heavy shows with built-in sequels or continuations, leaving viewers longing for series that organically grow and have the potential for long-term storytelling without predefined end points.
Hesitancy in Empowering Original Content with Strong Longevity Potential
The current television landscape exhibits a reluctance to greenlight original content that prioritizes sustainable pacing and character-driven narratives with long-term potential. Development decisions often favor big swings with trap doors or potential continuations over series that focus on gradual storytelling arcs and naturally evolving character journeys.
Transitioning from High Volume Content Production to Quality Over Quantity
Television executives and content creators are acknowledging the need for a contraction in the oversaturated television market, with a focus on quality over quantity. The shift from producing over 600 shows to fewer, more impactful series aims to prioritize quality control, meaningful storytelling, and audience differentiation among the cluttered TV landscape.
Aging Viewership Trends in Broadcast and Cable TV Networks
Recent surveys reveal a concerning trend of aging viewership in both broadcast and cable television networks, with median viewer ages rising significantly. The median viewer age for major networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, and CW has reached 64.6 years old, signaling a growing disconnect with younger audiences. Cable networks like Bravo also show an older demographic with a median viewer age of 56, highlighting the challenge of engaging younger viewers across the television landscape.
The Changing Landscape of Television Viewership
Television viewership trends are evolving with younger audiences favoring platforms like Netflix over traditional TV networks. The median age of viewers for major networks like CNN and Fox is relatively high at 69, prompting discussions on the future of TV consumption. The preference for engaging shows among younger demographics highlights a shift in content consumption patterns, challenging the traditional TV model.
Cultural Impact and Manipulation in Documentary Filmmaking
The podcast delves into the genre of documentary filmmaking, specifically focusing on the series 'Ren Faire.' 'Ren Faire' offers a peek into the intricate world of Renaissance fairs and the characters involved, showcasing a mix of authentic portrayals and staged elements. The series blurs the lines between reality and performance, presenting a nuanced exploration of storytelling techniques and audience engagement in modern documentary filmmaking.
Chris and Andy talk about the underperformance of movies like ‘Furiousa’ and ‘The Fall Guy’ at the box office, and whether or not a lack of Marvel movies in theaters could be to blame (1:00). Then they talk about some types of shows they feel are missing from their screens right now—like an hour-long drama that could go for multiple seasons, or a splashy adaptation (33:47). Finally they talk about the new HBO docuseries ‘Ren Faire,’ which is like ‘Succession’ set in the world of Renaissance fairs (1:02:38).
