The Daily - The Year in TV & Movies
The conversation explores the transition from 'prestige TV' to 'mid-TV,' characterized by shows that are well-produced but lack originality and memorability. This shift is attributed to the influence of algorithms and the need for streaming platforms to generate content that keeps viewers engaged, often resulting in safe, familiar programming. Examples like 'Palm Royale' illustrate this trend. Despite this, there are still standout shows like 'We Are Lady Parts' and 'Phantasmus' that offer originality and creativity. In the film industry, a similar trend is observed with the dominance of sequels and safe bets, driven by financial considerations and algorithms. However, there are still unique films like 'All We Imagine is Light' and 'Furiosa' that break the mold and offer fresh perspectives. The discussion underscores the importance of resisting algorithm-driven content choices and seeking out original works.
Key Points:
- 'Mid-TV' describes current TV shows that are well-produced but lack originality, driven by algorithms and market demands.
- Streaming platforms prioritize content that keeps viewers engaged, often leading to safe, familiar programming.
- Despite trends, standout shows like 'We Are Lady Parts' and 'Phantasmus' offer originality and creativity.
- The film industry is dominated by sequels, but unique films like 'All We Imagine is Light' and 'Furiosa' provide fresh perspectives.
- Resisting algorithm-driven content choices is crucial to discovering original and creative works.
Details:
1. 🎤 Introduction to Year-End Special
- The introduction emphasizes a special series for the end of 2024, featuring insights from Times critics, reporters, and editors.
- The focus is on making sense of the year in arts and culture, providing a comprehensive review of the past 12 months.
- This segment serves as a precursor to discussions that will unfold over the next three days, setting expectations for in-depth analysis and reflections.
- Listeners are encouraged to engage with the content, suggesting that the discussions will offer valuable perspectives and potentially transformative insights.
2. 📰 Recap of the Year in Culture
- Deputy Editor of Culture and Lifestyle Melissa Kirsch discusses with colleagues what was watched, listened to, and read in 2024.
- The segment focuses on personal preferences and popular trends in culture over the year, highlighting key cultural phenomena.
- Melissa Kirsch and her colleagues share insights on their favorite and least favorite cultural experiences of 2024.
- The discussion includes diverse perspectives on various cultural events and their impact, providing a comprehensive overview of the year's cultural landscape.
3. 📺 The Shift from Prestige TV to Mid-TV
- In 2024, television has shifted towards what is termed as 'Mid-TV', characterized by a resemblance to great TV of the past but lacking memorability.
- Mid-TV features a famous cast, fancy locations, and sleek production, yet it lacks the quirks and idiosyncrasies that make a show memorable.
- Current TV in 2024 is described as neither great nor terrible, just 'mid'.
- Industry trends indicate a focus on safe, formulaic content that appeals to a broad audience.
- Examples of Mid-TV shows include high-budget series that prioritize visual appeal over narrative depth.
4. 🎬 Evolution of TV and the Influence of Algorithms
- The shift from 'prestige TV' to 'mid-TV' is driven by streaming services prioritizing content predicted by algorithms to engage viewers, rather than taking creative risks.
- HBO led the way with shows like The Sopranos, which couldn't be accommodated by traditional TV, setting a standard for prestige TV with high-profile creators and actors.
- The influx of original programming from Netflix, Amazon, Apple, Disney, and Paramount has resulted in a proliferation of new content, aiming to fill streaming libraries with attractive options.
- Algorithms are increasingly dictating what content is produced, focusing on themes that ensure viewer retention and engagement, rather than innovative storytelling.
- Examples of algorithm-driven content include series that follow familiar tropes and genres, ensuring a steady stream of viewership and subscription retention.
5. 🔄 Mid-TV and the Quest for Originality
- The TV industry is grappling with an oversaturation of 'mid-TV,' which is characterized by safe and familiar content that fails to stand out against the backdrop of social media.
- A prevailing issue is the difficulty in pitching unique, personal ideas akin to 'Fleabag,' due to programmers' risk aversion influenced by investor expectations.
- Viewers are increasingly vocal about their desire for original, off-the-wall, and personal content, highlighting a gap between current offerings and audience expectations.
- Despite financial and cultural hurdles, there is optimism that talent and originality will ultimately triumph, as evidenced by successful original series that have broken through the clutter.
6. 🌟 Notable Shows of 2024
- 'We Are Lady Parts' is a standout British sitcom featuring female Muslim punk musicians, praised for its originality and humor, offering a fresh narrative perspective.
- The show is noted for its portrayal of the challenge of creating original art within the constraints of a major entertainment corporation, resonating with audiences seeking diverse stories.
- 'Phantasmus,' an HBO comedy starring Julio Torres, is noted for its unique 'sketch fantasy' style, providing a surreal, imaginative look into the protagonist's mind, challenging traditional television norms.
- Phantasmus offers a non-familiar, thought-provoking experience that demands viewer attention, showcasing television's ability to adapt and introduce diverse voices.
- These shows exemplify television's ability to adapt to cultural shifts, introducing audiences to diverse voices and perspectives.
- The impact and reception of these shows demonstrate a growing audience demand for originality and diverse storytelling.
- These examples highlight how television in 2024 is embracing cultural diversity, with shows like 'We Are Lady Parts' and 'Phantasmus' leading the way in narrative innovation.
7. 🍿 The Prevalence of Movie Sequels
- In 2024, nine out of ten of the top grossing movies were sequels, showcasing the dominance of sequels in the film industry.
- The movie Wicked, although a prequel, highlights the industry's preference for established narratives, underlining a trend towards 'sequelitis.'
- Large studio conglomerates are risk-averse, opting for projects with proven success, which limits innovation and originality in new projects.
- The use of algorithms in decision-making further entrenches this trend by favoring familiar, successful content over new ideas.
- Notably, the quality of sequels varies, with some achieving both commercial success and critical acclaim.
8. 🎥 Top Films of 2024
8.1. All We Imagine is Light
8.2. Furiosa
8.3. Megalopolis
9. 🎞️ Current Movie Recommendations
- "September 5" is a 90-minute film addressing the 1972 Olympics hostage situation, emphasizing journalistic ethics, making it a timely and relevant piece.
- "The Brutalist," directed by Brady Corbett, stars Adrian Brody and Guy Pearce. It explores post-World War II American capitalism, with Guy Pearce's performance being a standout, offering a deep dive into ambitious historical narratives.
- "A Complete Unknown" features Timothee Chalamet as Bob Dylan, focusing on Dylan's early career and his transition to electric music. The film is generating Oscar buzz and spotlighting Chalamet's portrayal.
- The recommendations highlight films that not only entertain but also provoke thought and dialogue about historical and ethical issues, aligning with current global conversations.
- Each film is noted for its unique storytelling approach and strong performances that could appeal to both casual viewers and critics.
10. 🎧 Closing and Credits
- The episode was produced by Alex Barron with support from Caitlin Presti.
- Editing was done by Wendy Dorr with production support from Franny Carr-Toth.
- Original music was composed by Diane Wong, Pat McCusker, and Dan Powell.
- Engineering was handled by Daniel Ramirez.
- Special thanks were given to Claire Tennesketter, Alexandra Lee Young, Alisha Baetoop, Sarah Curtis, John White, Tina Antolini, Paula Schumann, and Sam Dolnick.