The Dwindling Value of Timing in Television Production

The Tyranny of Business

Television narratives are increasingly evolving into business plans. Streaming profitability has distorted both the artistry and financial management of TV. Notable examples from 2024 illustrate how badly timed decisions led to underperforming stories: extended or shortened runtimes, unnecessary subplots, and delays or rushed production.

Quotation from critic:

All of this reportage is accurate and important, but to me it all feels like it's circling around a single issue: timing. If I had to sum up the one thing that is consistently wrong with the majority of TV at the moment, the one way in which poisonous, short-sighted business practices are tearing down the accomplishments of the golden age of television, it would all come down to a poor understanding of timing.

Case Studies in Time Well Spent

However, some shows defied the trend by respecting the principles of timing in television storytelling.

Shōgun (FX) and Interview with the Vampire (AMC)

Shōgun celebrated conversations as a narrative driver, creating compelling characters, high stakes, and stunning visuals. Interview with the Vampire explored marriage with a similar level of detail, offering emotional depth and commentary on social issues.

Baby Reindeer (Netflix)

Adapted from a one-man show, Baby Reindeer effectively transitioned to the episodic format. It garnered critical acclaim for its deft handling of mental illness and sexual abuse, offering insights into marginalized experiences.

Constellation (Apple TV+)

An astronaut's return to Earth prompts a search for the truth amidst surreal events. Constellation evoked a sense of haunting, creating a compelling and disorienting experience.

Dead Boy Detectives (Netflix)

A delightful adaptation showcased the charm of two investigative ghosts in a quirky town. The show's eight episodes brought together an ensemble cast and intriguing mysteries, balancing humor and heart.

Delicious in Dungeon (Netflix)

This original fantasy series merged D&D with cooking, following a group of adventurers who ventured into dungeons to prepare exotic dishes. Its unique premise and strong characters made it a memorable experience.

Fantasmas (Max)

Julio Torres' latest series blended fantasy, comedy, surrealism, and unconventional set design. It featured a diverse cast and imaginative stories that defied categorization.

Ludwig (BBC)

A quirky mystery show, Ludwig starred David Mitchell as an eccentric detective. Despite its limited runtime, it delivered sharp writing, memorable characters, and intriguing murder investigations.

Mr. Loverman (BBC)

Lennie James played a closeted septuagenarian in this adaptation of Bernardine Evaristo's novel. The show navigated sensitive themes with both humor and poignancy, exploring family dynamics and the challenges of gay men.

Pachinko (Apple TV+)

This multigenerational drama returned with a second season, continuing the saga of a Korean family in Japan. Set amidst war and its aftermath, it depicted their struggles with cultural identity and resilience.

Ripley (Netflix)

Patricia Highsmith's classic was stunningly adapted in this series. Ripley was both a faithful and innovative interpretation, with its striking visuals and chilling soundtrack conveying the emptiness at the protagonist's core.

Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light (BBC)

The BBC series concluded Hilary Mantel's Cromwell trilogy, exploring the final years of the Lord Chancellor's life. While differing in focus from the books, it provided a humanizing portrait amidst political machinations.

Honorable Mentions

• Black Doves (Netflix): An ensemble spy series with eccentric characters and thrilling adventures.
• Expats (Amazon): A thoughtful exploration of expat culture and the dark underbelly of a glamorous expat life.
• Mr. & Mrs. Smith (Amazon): A fresh take on the married spies concept, exploring the complexities of marriage and teamwork.

The Resurgence of the Mystery Genre

The "Knives Out effect" has led to a resurgence in mystery stories on TV. Shows like Only Murders in the Building, Fargo, and True Detective have proven the versatility and popularity of the genre, offering compelling stories centered around a single mystery.

Cautionary Tale: The Sympathizer (HBO)

Despite the acclaimed success of Viet Thanh Nguyen's source novel, the miniseries adaptation felt redundant. It captured Nguyen's themes, but lacked the impact of the original, leaving some viewers questioning its necessity.

Artistic Perseverance: The Bear (FX)

The third season of The Bear embraced a bold approach, focusing on the grind and repetition of the restaurant business. While less immediately satisfying than the previous season, it still garnered critical praise for its thought-provoking exploration of workplace culture.

Unintentional Misogyny: Disclaimer (Apple TV+)

Alfonso Cuarón's prestige TV debut offered a misogynistic portrayal of women. Cate Blanchett's character, a documentary filmmaker, lacked agency and depth, leading to an oversimplified and offensive portrayal.

Failed Satire: The Franchise (HBO)

The Franchise attempted to satirize industry practices, but its depiction of a troubled superhero film production fell short. It lacked trenchant insights and failed to establish a clear target, rendering it ineffective as satire.