The Collapse of Television in 2019: A Year of Mainstream Failures

A lot of TV shows got ruined in 2019. Hollywood was also in decline. Both Netflix and HBO were good, but the rest of the streaming services were just terrible with bad season ends, cancellations, and poor writing. As a result, 2019 has been quite a dark year for television. 2020 is just so bad for TV and movies.

Game of Thrones and Star vs the Forces of Evil

Game of Thrones and Star vs the Forces of Evil are my big two. Both went out on terrible finales after rather solid prior seasons. Oddly enough, their finales were in the same week, so I guess it was just bad luck and bad writing.

Game of Thrones – A Once-Prolific Singleton’s Final Farewell

One can recall Game of Thrones being a once-prolific singleton in its across-the-pond rise to dominance. The show consistently captivated international attention with its twists, turns, and intense narrative. However, that all changed with the seventh and eighth seasons, which some consider the beginning of the end for the series. The high expectations and the exhaustive lore developed over eight seasons meant that each and every dip in quality was magnified. The disappointment lay in the rushed conclusion, the unsatisfying turn of events, and the overall lack of coherence. The narrative took a turn for the worse, with plot holes and subpar character development overshadowing the once-winning formula. Moreover, the final episodes were plagued by rushed scenes and a disbelieving audience. Aggrieved fans cried out for closure that reflected the magnitude of their emotional investment, but the final chapters delivered an ending that was devoid of fulfillment.

The final episode of Game of Thrones is a testament to the series’ downfall, culminating in a chaotic and conclusory finale that failed to provide the emotional and narrative resolution many hoped for. With fan backlash at an all-time high, it is evident that the show’s concluding arc was a failure to live up to its previous seasons.

Star vs The Forces of Evil – A Cartoon’s Bitter End

Star vs the Forces of Evil was a different beast altogether – a cartoon aimed at fans of the fantasy genre. While solid in the first few seasons, it took a sharp turn towards mediocrity in the latter seasons. The show’s unconvincing plot twists, poorly written monologues, and disjointed narrative became glaring issues. The transient reliance on catchphrases and one-note humor significantly detracted from its intended charm. The cancellation of the show cannot be fully attributed to writing issues alone, as the societal trends also played a role. However, the show's final seasons failed to capitalize on its strengths and instead feebly churned out filler episodes that left viewers ready for an exit.

The Impact on Streaming Services

During 2019, streaming services faced a collective reckoning. Netflix, which once heralded the age of binge-watching with masterpieces like Breaking Bad, Stranger Things, and The Crown, lost its shine. Shows like The Haunting of Bly Manor and The Witcher struggled to replicate the magic of past seasons. The writing became softer, and the narrative arcs less compelling, leading to a decline in fan engagement. Similarly, HBO, which had a golden run with critically acclaimed shows like Westworld, Entourage, and Euphoria, saw projects like Varquake and Was Not Meant to Be miss the mark.

The perfect storm of poor writing, failing franchises, and new shows that failed to live up to the hype made 2019 a year of disappointment for those looking for quality television. The impact was not just on the shows themselves but on the very foundations of the streaming platforms, which struggled to maintain star power and fan loyalty.

Conclusion: Beyond 2019

As we look beyond 2019, the future of television seems uncertain. The industry must learn from past mistakes to produce content that resonates with audiences. Rewriting narratives and rethinking marketing strategies are crucial to regain the trust and appreciation of fans. Only time will tell if the industry can bounce back, but the lessons of 2019 are clear: quality writing, strong narratives, and compelling storytelling are the keys to success in this highly competitive space.