As a child it was akin to heresy to admit TV was a favorite pass time. Teachers and parents alike harped on about physical activity and the all-powerful healer of ‘some fresh air’. I have never seen a hatred so ardent as my Dad’s loathing for The Suite Life of Zack and Cody.
To these adult’s credit, TV and movies in general were rarely prioritized for me as a potential activity. Unfortunately I think due to this perceived ‘gap’ in screen viewing my habits are now the definition of unhealthy and obsessive. Not only has binge-watching effectively taken up any and all ‘alone’ time, when watching with other people I quote IMDB movie trivia so obsessively its as though I’m attempting to impersonate Robert Osbourne (the one no one asked for or wanted).
Netflix is the joy and bane of my life. No question it has effected my productivity. The sharp increase in my own and other’s viewing time and the obsessive nature with which I consume content has made me think about the future of TV and how TV affects me. Here are my thoughts and questions.
1. Has the rate at which I finish shows made me less appreciative of the work or some of the subtleties that contributes to a high-quality show?
2. Have my standards for rating a show being raised or lowered? Do I just now want a show with shock value or an attractive cast to immediately enjoy it? Or do I now expect all elements of a show cast/cinemotography/story-line to be of a high standard?
3. Do I have my own opinions of these shows? How do my initial impressions hold up after reading critical reviews and fan feedback?
4. Inevitably by the third season of a show I reach a plateau of enjoyment and begin to anticipate my next show, is this die to general decline of all shows at this point or over-exposure to a single medium?
5. Is this model of release for TV shows (whole seasons released at once) indicative of the future and if so how will this change the amount/quality/variety of content produced?
6. Socially, how will this model of release impact us both in our interactions (I know half of my time spent with friends is centered on watching new show) and our expectations for how exciting or polished our lives should be?
As I ponder these somewhat irritating questions I'm going to make an effort to shut off and appreciate some of that fresh air. While I sit on my beloved Mac there’s a whole real world I’m ignoring. Arthur’s seat here I come.
