I think it is becoming pretty evident, that the quality of TV is on par at the very least if not far better than their Hollywood cousin. I wanted to know what you all thought might be contributing factors to this. Or do you think movies are still King? I would love to see any links you might have on the subject if you find any. I found a decent blog post about it. (link) Good TV the past three years Spoiler
Not for me. When I watch movies like Blade Runner, Lawrence of Arabia, the Matrix, or Star Wars, I get transported to another world. My senses are overwhelmed, my brain usually thinks over the film's message, and I'm left with a quiet feeling of longing for the movie's world when the end credits roll. I can't say the same for TV regardless of how highly rated it is. Whether it's the Sopranos, the Wire, Game of Thrones, or Breaking Bad, I don't get the same depth of escapism or mental stimulation as the movies above. More often than not, I see exciting plots with lots of twists and drama and tension. Sometimes there will be complex themes. Week after week, cliffhanger after cliffhanger. However, when made into a package in a 2-3 hour movie, the escapism + mind exercise always affects me more.
Most of the movies you just mentioned were made at least 20+ years ago. The film industry outside the few good indie's a year has been making blek. For the longest time TV was seen as a graveyard by actors. Now, more and more, TV seems to be changing that image. The writing has been top notch.
TV has improved. But the format can never trump films for me. Old movies...C'mon are you kidding me? Last few years: The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford The Orphanage Children of Men No Country for Old Men There Will Be Blood Inception Avatar Shutter Island
The movies you just named are all 3-7 years old. That is an eternity. Let me put together a list of the best TV shows of the past three years.
You named some of the best movies of the entire year. The cream will always rise to the top but the rest of the crop was pretty weak from the studios. Funny thing is, some consider 2012 one of the better movie years in a while.
TV shows that have aired during the past three years. All premiered in the past three years ------------------- Arrested Development (It will be good) Vikings House of Cards The Americans Girls House of Lies The Newsroom The Legend of Korra Game of Thrones Shameless Homeland Suits American Horror Story The Borgias Workaholics Hell on Wheels Boss Bob's Burgers The Walking Dead Spartacus Justified Downton Abbey Sherlock Boardwalk Empire Adventure Time Luther Louie ---------------- Premiered previous of 2010 but currently airing Modern Family Castle Community Archer White Collar Parks & Recreation The League Eastbound & Down Breaking Bad True Blood Sons of Anarchy Portlandia Californication Mad Men Dexter How I Met Your Mother Doctor Who The Office Weeds It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Movies are nice for people who can't invest 30min/1hour x (number of episodes). ...Versus 1.5-2 hours
I don't know why, but I'm much more willing to watch 3-4 1 hour episodes of a good TV drama than watch a 2 hour film.
I watch a TV show to pass the time, I spend money to watch a movie to be entertained and to have the experience of the theater and the loud sound, the smell of popcorn, etc. There are major differences. WTF? Are we in 2006?!?!? Someone check my calendar, please.
That's not "premiering" in the past three years, still, and it is only coming back because of a cult following... it's not even being backed up by advertisers. This is like Family Guy.
