With series finales of everything from Breaking Bad to Parks and Recreation coming in quick succession, is the end of TV's golden age imminent? What do studios need to accomplish to keep the trend going?
You could analyse the potential heirs to the throne with new series like Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt or Bloodline and The Affair. But also chart the elder statesman and how long they might continue for like Game of Thrones. – Marcus Dean9 years ago
Might also be worth noting how streaming services like Netflix have changed how we watch TV, and how this influences what is considered "Golden", for instance how we enjoy shows that are binge-able much more now than having the one-per-week of past years. – Hannah Spencer9 years ago
It's probably well known that throughout the 2000's, the most prominent teen drama from CW, and other networks featured at least one scene that involved a male cast member "tricked" into public humiliation. These specific scenes are pretty well-known online, and include:
Chad Michael Murray on Dawson's Creek Blair Redford on 90210 Richard Harmon, Izaak Smith and Calum Worthy on Tower Prep
From a story wise perception, explore these scenes, along with what do you think happened to their characters offscreen after such scenes.
From a filming perception, explore how the staff, and actors went about composing the scenes they were featured in.
Unique topic, I like it. Could also discuss the process and journey from the script/table read stage to the filming and premiere stage from the actor's point of view. – Thomas Munday9 years ago
Do you notice any re-occuring patterns in American Adaptations of British TV? How come only a few achieve the success of its original source? What went right/wrong?
You could discuss the cultural differences between the two countries or perceptions of both sets of audiences as factors. For example, Life on Mars was highly praised in Britain, while its American remake was panned and cancelled after one season. – Ryan Errington10 years ago
Fresh off the boat has been a hit with audiences, Asian or not, but what does this signify for Asian characters in the American media industry? Will there be more opportunities for them to appear in mainstream films in the future or is it just a one-off thing? And no, I'm not talking about them appearing as a henchman or asexual best friend character.
Did the creator made them that way just because or is there something more to it? How do the show's anamorphic characters differ from the human ones? I think it'll be an interesting to explore.
Never thought of that. Maybe knowing how certain animal functions like dogs and cats being house pets, horses being used as a function of transportation, or even birds to send messages. – dthechadwick10 years ago
In the 90s and early 2000s laugh tracks were the norm of most, if not all, sitcoms: Seinfeld, Friends, Tool Time, MASH, Golden Girls, Cheers etc. Although these shows were different in theme and direction, they all had two things in common–they were extremely popular and they had a laugh track. Now if you look at popular sitcoms that are currently airing, such as: It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Modern Family, Community, Cougar Town, Parks and Recreation etc, laugh tracks are no where to be found. Why is that? Has mainstream humour changed? Or on a more broad level, has the sitcom transformed. (ie. The Mockumentary).
There are the exceptions, them being Big Bang Theory and Two Broke Girls but, in my opinion, both of those shows lack substance.
I would be interested in the history of the laugh track as well. I don't think I notice it in watching, and I wonder how much it actually affects the audience's response. – Liz Watkins10 years ago
This is a really interesting and original topic! I would be interested in seeing official research done on this with audience's responses, like Liz suggested. Be careful though - judging of its efficiency may get very subjective. I think it would be best to focus on the history of laugh tracks and official documentation. – Rachel Elfassy Bitoun10 years ago
In recent news, stars of the hit series The X-Files, David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson, are set to return to the television series after thirteen years. As a result, six episodes will be released. This article could discuss expectations for the six-episode story arc, as well as a discussion of the show and its impact on pop culture.
I read the article about X-Files coming back, and the writer mentioned how the world had gotten weirder since X-Files was last on. What are some events in the last fifteen years the writers could tie in to X-Files? – Liz Watkins10 years ago
Explore the parallels between the characters in The Walking Dead and those suffering from PTSD. Especially Season 5 has explored this with integrating its wandering characters back into a structured society within a gated community.
I think you could cover all seasons. For example, Herhsel's denial of the true extent of why people turn to walkers in Season 2 would be beneficial to mention. – Ryan Errington10 years ago
It could make the topic a bit broad, but referencing certain bits of the graphic novel might help bulk it out too? – Hannah Spencer10 years ago
Definitely worth looking at Sasha and Abraham. – ProtoCanon8 years ago
