Get Ready for Less New TV: A Silver Lining for Viewers
The ongoing strike in the entertainment industry has brought production to a halt, resulting in a temporary shortage of new TV shows. While this may disappoint some, it could actually be a blessing in disguise for avid viewers. With the relentless influx of new releases, it’s been challenging to make a dent in our ever-growing watchlist. Finally, we have an opportunity to catch up on the shows we’ve been meaning to watch for ages.
Last year alone, a staggering 600 programs were released in the United States, compared to just 420 in 2015, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The abundance of content has left many viewers overwhelmed and struggling to keep up. The constant stream of new shows on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and others has pushed our personal viewing preferences further down the queue.
Speaking from personal experience, I confess that I haven’t explored as much prestige TV as I would have liked. Despite spending a significant portion of my leisure time in front of the television over the years, there are still several well-known series that I have yet to watch. The West Wing, Breaking Bad, The Sopranos, and The Wire are just a few examples. Realistically, it would take hours upon hours to catch up on these shows alone, so I consider myself lucky if I finish just one.
I must admit that I haven’t even had the chance to dive into popular series like Squid Game or Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story on Netflix. It seems like there’s always something new grabbing our attention before we can catch up on the old.
However, with the current production standstill due to the strike, we now have a golden opportunity to finally dive into those highly recommended shows that our friends won’t stop talking about. We can also explore genres we’ve been meaning to try, such as Nordic crime dramas like The Killing or The Bridge.
If you haven’t already, now is the time to immerse yourself in the critically acclaimed series Succession from the very beginning. And speaking of exceptional television, Donald Glover’s Atlanta is a true work of art that deserves your attention. Another recommendation worth checking out is Beef on Netflix.
While the delay in our favorite shows may be frustrating, this unexpected break gives us the chance to discover and enjoy hidden gems. So, instead of bemoaning the lack of new content, let’s make the most of this period by diving into the shows that have been on our list for far too long. Trust me, the investment of your time will be well worth it.
