TV programmes, technology & innovation
The technology may have changed by has the content?
It would be easy to say television has changed a great deal over the last 20 years and leave the statement hanging. But my little grey cells have started mulling over what has changed. Technology means we can be in a room with other people and watch different programmes on television or various electronic devices, including iPads and phones. Someone could be watching live football, someone else George and Mildred, a vintage British sitcom, another Sponge Bob Square Pants. Gone are the days of all sitting around to watch the latest episode of Dallas -exactly who shot JR?
Looking back, I would have loved to watch something other than football ⚽️ , cricket 🏏 or any other sport on another device over the first twenty years of our marriage when we only had one TV. I will admit to watching programmes on the train coming home from work on my iPad, with headphones of course. Technology is not all bad as long as it does not dominate our lives. I find it sad to see people watching things on their phones in restaurants, cafes or pubs rather than talking to each other. I must admit that big-screen football games at the pub are social events. Although, not for me.
Have programmes changed? Looking at live TV schedules for this week, not a lot. In the UK, the soaps still dominate the evenings. Coronation Street (Corrie) first appeared in 1960, Emmerdale, previously Emmerdale Farm, 1972, Eastenders 1985. Many characters return time and time again—some recovering miraculously from death, such as Kathy in Eastenders. I do ask myself why characters are reintroduced in soaps. John & I used to be regular Corrie viewers until we decided it had lost its sense of humour. But that was in the Bet Lynch days. Soaps are not my cup of tea but I can see the appeal.
Even programmes such as Masterchef are nearly 20 years old. They are 'refreshed' with 'celebrity' or professional versions. The Apprentice is the same age. A comment by one of the last five in the UK Apprentice 2024 got my little grey cells mulling things over. Flo Edwards, recruitment consultant, commented, "It feels a little bit unreal. Surreal is probably the right word for it. I watched The Apprentice growing up, and to be in the final five is amazing. I'm just really delighted." what does this say about The Apprentice is brilliant or just lazy TV?
Dr Who is a definite old one with a new perspective, and it was first screened in 1963. My favourite doctors are Tom Baker and David Tennant, old and newish. I remember the black & white version with sink plungers as the Dalek's arm/weapon. I remember the monsters, who now look very shaky and fake, where I hid behind a cushion. The production of the original was as good as it could be at the time. The production is now expensive, slick, and full of CGI, but it is still good. Well, at least I think so.
Is there an overreliance on old, rehashed programmes? I don't know the answer, and I am not sure I am qualified to judge. There are some new programmes, Traitors is one of them.
Has the quality changed, for better or for worse? I often now watch ancient repeats, with wobbly sets and the shadows of microphones showing. I am not sure I can comment on the quality. Watching David Attenborough's Mammals last night, I cannot fault the beautiful photography, narration and production. Dramas such as Line of Duty are well-produced, written and acted. Manhunt with Martin Clunes and Des with David Tennant, in my opinion, were both well written, researched, acted and produced. I would say the quality is the same. There are some fantastic programmes and some dreadful ones. But that was always the case.
I can't write this post without including the classic Bruce track.
I would say it is official I am an old curmudgeon who watches less TV these days. Although, I can always rely on reruns on Midsommer Murders, Heartbeat or The Good Life.
In answer to my own question. Yes TV has changed technologically but I am not sure the basic programmes have. As with all things there is good, bad and ugly in the innovation of content and technology for TV.
What do you watch on TV?
How do you watch TV?
Do you think the content and quality has changed over the years and how?
If you have enjoyed my post and haven’t already please do subscribe to Growing old and share with others.
I have noticed that there are eras of how shows feel, ie fast paced vs thoughtful, alluding to sex vs explicit. I'm thinking of a more recent series called True Detective. The long, slow build relies a lot on building relationships and hinting at multiple possibilities. I think both are part of the current trend whereas in the recent past shows built relationships slowly over the long term and were more results oriented. I'm thinking asking the lines of NCIS.
I will always remember being told by an English major, as we were standing in line for the first Star Wars movie, that there is no such thing as a "new" story. Every story is a rehash. Kind of burst my bubble about Star Wars, but the older I get the more I believe him.
I think the quality of programming has gone downhill, or maybe I'm a curmudgeon also. 😉 I love all nature shows and Jeopardy, and only one or two sitcoms. David Attenborough calms my soul.