Why Are There Still No New Black and White Television Shows?

Introduction

Over the years, the production industry has shifted from creating content exclusively in black and white to almost entirely color-centric. This transition began in the late 60s when color televisions started to become more common in households. However, the nostalgia for black and white (BW) television shows still exists, with a dedicated following who appreciate the aesthetic and artistry behind the monochrome format. This phenomenon brings us to the question: why have no new BW television shows been produced recently?

History and Popularity

One example that comes to mind is the 1991 comedy series Morton Hayes, which parodied BW comedies of the 1930s. Despite its innovative approach, the series did not gain much traction with audiences. Many viewers were accustomed to watching their favorite shows in color and found it difficult to engage with content that was reminiscent of an older era. This suggests that even with a creative concept, the novelty of BW television is not enough to attract a broad audience.

There are instances where even today, shows and movies are released in BW, such as Logan and Mad Max Fury Road, as well as certain episodes of The Walking Dead. These releases are usually done to cater to a specific niche audience and to showcase the artistic benefits of the monochrome format. Similarly, online communities frequently recommend shows and movies that look particularly stunning in BW, exemplified by series like The Wolfman

Challenges of Producing BW Television

Despite the lingering appeal of BW television, it remains a challenging niche market. There is a perception that BW content is overly artistic and pretentious, deterring a large portion of potential viewers. Additionally, modern technology has significantly reduced the need for BW production. The advent of digital video recording and editing has made it easier to replicate the appealing qualities of the monochrome format through color grading.

Color grading, a technique that manipulates the color palette during post-production, allows creators to achieve a visual style that closely mimics BW without the limitations of actual monochrome. This approach can create a high contrast, noir-like feel that enhances the overall aesthetic of a show or film. A recent example is the BBC production of Magrait, starring Rowan Atkinson, which utilized color grading to achieve a visually striking monochrome look. The subtle shifts in tonality can effectively shift the mood and create a seamless transition from naturalistic to stylized scenes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the production of new BW television shows is hindered by a combination of niche market appeal, viewer preferences, and the availability of modern digital tools that can mimic the effects of the monochrome format. Without a compelling reason such as the artistic vision of filmmakers like The Artist or Pleasantville, it's unlikely that mainstream television networks will embrace BW content anytime soon. However, for creators devoted to the craft and dedicated fans, the allure of BW remains a passionate niche that continues to thrive in its own way.

References

Morton Hayes, 1991, Rob Reiner, HBO Logan, 2017, James Mangold, Marvel Studios Mad Max Fury Road, 2015, George Miller, Warner Bros. The Walking Dead, AMC The Wolfman, Digital recommendations from various online communities Color grading and monochrome techniques in Magrait (BBC), starring Rowan Atkinson