The Evolution of TV Shows: Gaining Respect Equal to Movies

With the advent and popularity of streaming services, television shows have started to receive the same level of respect as movies. This shift is not just a trend but a transformation in the way we consume content and the way it is created.

The Rise of Streaming Services

The rise of streaming services has paved the way for television shows to gain the same level of respect as movies. In recent years, streaming platforms like Netflix, HBO, Disney , and Apple TV have dominated the Emmy nominations, overshadowing traditional TV studios. These platforms often don’t rely on advertisers for revenue, which gives them creative freedom and the ability to fund high-quality content without the constraints of network rules.

One prime example of this is The Mandalorian on Disney Plus. This series is not just as good as any Star Wars movie; it encompasses over 10 hours of content. Another notable example is the Korean drama Squid Game, which was adapted for streaming audiences. Shows like The Sopranos, The Crown, and The Queen’s Gambit further illustrate the remarkable quality and respect that streaming content now enjoys.

Compared to regular TV shows, streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime do not face the same advertising constraints. If a storyline annoys advertisers, it can significantly impact the show's financial performance. Therefore, writers and directors at these platforms have more creative control, leading to higher quality content and, consequently, greater respect.

The Sopranos: The Start of The Golden Age of Television

While the advent of streaming platforms has been a significant factor in the rise of respected television, the Sopranos can be considered a more defining moment in the history of TV. Released in 1999, The Sopranos was a groundbreaking drama that paved the way for the current “Golden Age of Television.”

Before The Sopranos, there were occasional prestige mini-series and theatrical releases like Roots, Masterpiece Theatre, and Pride and Prejudice. However, The Sopranos was a game changer. It was a drama that didn't adhere to the network rules surrounding swearing, violence, and nudity. It dealt with a more mature premise and had a more adult theme. The series was not bound to a conventional season length of 22 episodes, but instead aimed for higher quality, episodic stories with long-form storytelling.

The cast of The Sopranos included actors with a serious pedigree, such as James Gandolfini, Catherine Handles, and Edward Norton. This level of talent elevated the show's quality and, in turn, its respect in the industry. The series was also released at a time when DVDs eclipsed VHS, making the release of box sets more economical. This contributed to the trend of binge-watching a series from the comfort of one's home.

The Golden Age of Television

The rise of digital TV and the Sopranos set the stage for a new era in television. In the 2000s, regular TV saw a shift towards more content, leading to a demand for more drama series that pushed boundaries and offered complex storytelling. This era saw major film actors, such as Gabriel Byrne, Laura Linney, and David Duchovny, taking on roles in high-quality drama series similar to the Sopranos.

One could argue that HBO's series Oz, which started in 1997 and dealt with a violent prison setting, was the true start of the "Golden Age of Television." Similarly, Band of Brothers, which aired in 2001, set a new standard for TV drama in terms of production values. Both these series paved the way for the high-quality, respected content we see today on streaming platforms.

Conclusion

The evolution of television shows from underappreciated series to content that garners the same respect as movies is a testament to the power of creativity and technology. Streaming platforms have played a crucial role in this shift, providing a platform for quality content to thrive without the constraints of traditional television.

From the groundbreaking The Sopranos to today's streaming giants like Netflix and Disney Plus, the future of television looks promising. As technology continues to evolve and streaming platforms continue to innovate, it will be exciting to see how this landscape further develops and transforms the entertainment industry.