TV's latest characters are often forgettable due to a shift towards shows that prioritize quippy dialogue and social media appeal over complex storytelling and memorable protagonists. This trend is attributed to the rise of streaming services and changing viewer habits, where audiences have become increasingly accustomed to consuming reality TV, social media personalities, and online content.
The explosion of streaming has led to an oversaturation of TV shows, resulting in a "mid" era where most programs are considered mediocre rather than exceptional. This landscape has discouraged writers from investing time and effort into crafting well-rounded characters that audiences can become invested in.
As a result, shows like "I Love LA" often follow the same formula as previous character-driven sitcoms but with a noticeable absence of depth. The main characters lack distinct personalities and voice lines, making it difficult for viewers to connect with them on an emotional level. Instead, the show relies on relatable tropes and a familiar setting to engage audiences.
The trend of prioritizing social media appeal over storytelling has become evident in shows like "All's Fair," which focuses on delivering meme-ready dialogue rather than compelling character development. Similarly, other programs are struggling to create memorable characters, with some relying on familiar faces from the internet to revive their careers.
This shift in TV writing reflects a broader cultural trend where audiences have become accustomed to consuming content that is easily consumable and shareable. Social media personalities have become more prominent, and viewers prefer to participate in the narrative rather than simply watching it unfold.
The parasocial relationship between viewers and online personalities has changed the way we engage with television. Instead of investing time in complex characters, audiences can follow their favorite influencers or celebrities on social media, participating in their stories and drama.
This trend has led to a decline in investment in traditional TV shows, with many programs struggling to compete for attention in a crowded market. The formula of relying on familiar faces from the internet to revive careers is becoming increasingly popular, but it lacks innovation and creativity.
As a result, memorable characters have become less relevant, and the era-defining protagonists that once dominated television are now few and far between.
The explosion of streaming has led to an oversaturation of TV shows, resulting in a "mid" era where most programs are considered mediocre rather than exceptional. This landscape has discouraged writers from investing time and effort into crafting well-rounded characters that audiences can become invested in.
As a result, shows like "I Love LA" often follow the same formula as previous character-driven sitcoms but with a noticeable absence of depth. The main characters lack distinct personalities and voice lines, making it difficult for viewers to connect with them on an emotional level. Instead, the show relies on relatable tropes and a familiar setting to engage audiences.
The trend of prioritizing social media appeal over storytelling has become evident in shows like "All's Fair," which focuses on delivering meme-ready dialogue rather than compelling character development. Similarly, other programs are struggling to create memorable characters, with some relying on familiar faces from the internet to revive their careers.
This shift in TV writing reflects a broader cultural trend where audiences have become accustomed to consuming content that is easily consumable and shareable. Social media personalities have become more prominent, and viewers prefer to participate in the narrative rather than simply watching it unfold.
The parasocial relationship between viewers and online personalities has changed the way we engage with television. Instead of investing time in complex characters, audiences can follow their favorite influencers or celebrities on social media, participating in their stories and drama.
This trend has led to a decline in investment in traditional TV shows, with many programs struggling to compete for attention in a crowded market. The formula of relying on familiar faces from the internet to revive careers is becoming increasingly popular, but it lacks innovation and creativity.
As a result, memorable characters have become less relevant, and the era-defining protagonists that once dominated television are now few and far between.