Published March 31, 2025
BY AVERY PALSHAW
Thousands of television shows come out every year, yet only a few are good enough to win awards or even earn praise from the average viewer. Maybe it’s time to start implementing quality over quantity, or at least recognizing the issues with TV today. As society evolves to prioritize visuals and well-known faces over smart dialogue and original plots, the caliber of work in the entertainment industry seems to be on a downward slide.
A large component of entertainment’s decreased quality is, ironically, an increase in technology. With such advanced special effects, productions are often more focused on the visual aspect of television rather than its substance, arguably the most crucial element.
Take, for instance, Marvel Studios. Their franchise may have the ability to spend over $100 million on computer-generated imagery per movie, according to the Academy of Animated Art, yet Marvel’s lack of emphasis on hiring convincing actors and writing captivating dialogue has ultimately cost them viewers. In releasing too many mediocre spin-off shows at once, like “What If…?,” “Daredevil: Born Again” and “Secret Invasion,” audiences have grown tired of Marvel Studios.
Another issue with entertainment today is the often inaccurate portrayal of adolescents, even in television that’s geared towards younger audiences. Screenwriters just cannot seem to grasp how teens actually behave and speak, creating repetitive high school clichés and shallow characters. Popular TV shows such as “Ginny & Georgia,” “Never Have I Ever” and “Riverdale” may have conventionally interesting plots, but the majority of the younger characters are cringy to watch and far too irrational, even if they are teens. Considering that the viewers of these shows are mainly adolescents, there should be greater care toward the dialogue used.
That being said, there are notable exceptions to this downward spiral. With twisted, complex characters and alluring scripts that aren’t sugar coated or unrealistic, “Game of Thrones,” “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Black Mirror,” “True Detective” and “The Crown” are all TV shows worth watching. What makes these picks stand out is that the viewer can’t decide whether they like the characters or not, which constructs a more intriguing watching experience.
And for those who enjoy teenage dramas and are searching for a good binge, “I Am Not Okay With This,” “Derry Girls” and “Euphoria” are a step up from the average high school soap opera.
With the opportunity to create virtually any type of television show nowadays, the entertainment industry should shift their focus back to forming complex characters and writing compelling scripts.
