The TV landscape has undergone significant changes in recent years, with many shows struggling to create memorable and relatable characters. A key issue is the rise of streaming services, which have led to an oversaturation of content. As a result, audiences are becoming increasingly disengaged, with shows like 'I Love LA' failing to capture their attention.
The problem lies in the way TV writing has shifted towards creating "meme-ready" characters and dialogue. Shows like 'All's Fair', which features Kim Kardashian, prioritize shock value and viral-worthy moments over developing complex, engaging characters. This approach is not only less effective but also undermines the very notion of character-driven storytelling.
The trend towards more reality-based TV shows, such as 'Love Island USA' and 'Real Housewives', has further contributed to this issue. These programs focus on familiar faces and create a sense of parasocial connection with viewers. As a result, audiences are no longer invested in fictional characters but instead identify with real-life personalities.
The proliferation of social media has also changed the way we consume content. Platforms like TikTok have created an environment where users can participate in and shape stories, making it difficult for traditional TV shows to compete. Even ordinary people can become "main characters" in our online lives, as seen in the recent case of an astronomer who was caught cheating with his head of HR on a Jumbotron at a Coldplay concert.
The emergence of influencers-turned-TV-stars has also led to a lack of imagination and innovation in TV writing. Shows like 'I Love LA' fail to deliver memorable characters because they rely on familiar faces rather than creating fresh, enigmatic personalities. The result is a sense of disengagement from traditional TV viewing and a reliance on social media for entertainment.
In conclusion, the current state of TV character development is a symptom of a broader cultural shift towards reality-based content and social media-driven storytelling. As audiences become increasingly disenchanted with traditional TV, it's essential to reassess our approach to character creation and explore new ways to captivate viewers.
The problem lies in the way TV writing has shifted towards creating "meme-ready" characters and dialogue. Shows like 'All's Fair', which features Kim Kardashian, prioritize shock value and viral-worthy moments over developing complex, engaging characters. This approach is not only less effective but also undermines the very notion of character-driven storytelling.
The trend towards more reality-based TV shows, such as 'Love Island USA' and 'Real Housewives', has further contributed to this issue. These programs focus on familiar faces and create a sense of parasocial connection with viewers. As a result, audiences are no longer invested in fictional characters but instead identify with real-life personalities.
The proliferation of social media has also changed the way we consume content. Platforms like TikTok have created an environment where users can participate in and shape stories, making it difficult for traditional TV shows to compete. Even ordinary people can become "main characters" in our online lives, as seen in the recent case of an astronomer who was caught cheating with his head of HR on a Jumbotron at a Coldplay concert.
The emergence of influencers-turned-TV-stars has also led to a lack of imagination and innovation in TV writing. Shows like 'I Love LA' fail to deliver memorable characters because they rely on familiar faces rather than creating fresh, enigmatic personalities. The result is a sense of disengagement from traditional TV viewing and a reliance on social media for entertainment.
In conclusion, the current state of TV character development is a symptom of a broader cultural shift towards reality-based content and social media-driven storytelling. As audiences become increasingly disenchanted with traditional TV, it's essential to reassess our approach to character creation and explore new ways to captivate viewers.
. I mean, can't we still have some substance in our shows? I'm not saying reality TV is all bad, but sometimes I feel like these shows are more focused on getting clout than telling actual stories. And don't even get me started on influencers becoming "stars" - it's just weird 
. But at the same time, I get why audiences are drawn to those types of shows... they're relatable in a weird way? Maybe we need to find a balance between entertainment and depth? Like, can't we have both? 