Why are modern shows so different from decades ago?

[dirtnoise1]

I like how OP is asking why modern TV shows have complicated plots and don't have intros, and some people here simply cannot pass up on the opportunity a 'past vs present' topic presents to get on their soapboxes even when it has zero relevance to the question OP is asking.

Anyways, the reason shows now are different than they were back then is because the way people watch TV has changed dramatically. There's no reason for a show to have to be episodic when basically everyone can easily start from Episode 1. There's no reason for a show to have to try and broadly appeal to the whole family when each member of the family has their own screen they can instantly find their own niche on. Etc.

Personally, I vastly prefer modern TV to old TV. That's not to say there aren't any good old TV shows, it's just that on the whole 'old TV' feels really restrained, rigid, and artificial - because it was. Modern TV is exactly how you'd imagine long form visual media to be when it's more unrestrained.

[MosHighDef]

stupid hipster shows like Friends and Big Bang Theory ruined TV

[Roonan]

I agree that there's a general hollowness and insipidness to many current shows.

[wallendo]

I think the big difference between the older shows the OP remembers and the newer sitcoms is the fact that the older shows existed in an era of 3-4 broadcast networks with little-to-no original content. The older shows were aimed at a much broader audience. Now, with a plethora of original content on cable and streaming, shows are targetted towards relatively narrowly targeted audiences. In this environment, if you watch a show for which you are not the target, you are not likely to enjoy it.

I also think that shows hang around too long. In the past, aging child actors were sent off to college and never seen again, and often disappeared with no explanation. Now, shows like Modern Family seem to expand exponentially. There are still a few funny moments, but they are lost in the crowd. Big Bang Theory went from 4 nerds living across the hall from a hot chick to a multigenerational soap opera. Towards the end of that show, I wondered if there would be any humor at all in many episodes if the laugh track was removed.

[thecooldud]

Originally Posted by twobelowpar

I've rewatched some episodes of those old shows and while they were often more family-friendly, they don't age well and they're really cheesy compared to today's sitcoms.

Ah, "cheesy". This generation's word for things that are actually FUN... because they're so unused to the idea.

[JamesOttoSweetHeart]

These days, the only show that I care for is Perfect Strangers. I LOVE Balki!!!

God bless you and the beautiful precious gentleman who brought him to life always!!!

Holly

[AaronJ]

Some of these posts seem extremely strange to me. But I absolutely agree with dirtnoise1 -- people watch TV in a totally different manner now. There are a number of shows I've binged my way through, through the entire series. "Gossip Girl" and "Downton Abbey" are two excellent examples. I started watching "Game of Thrones" on HBOGo, but quit about 2.5 seasons, and just ordered the entire thing on Blu-ray. Can't wait until December 3!

Even shows that are currently airing, like "Criminal Minds" or "Law & Order: SVU" i sort of mini-binge. Why watch an episode per week when I can DVR it, and watch 3, 4, or 5 at once?

As far as tone and content, a big difference is that you simply couldn't have aired something like "Criminal Minds" back in 1992 -- you'd never have gotten away with that sort of content. And the extent of cable channels and streaming shows, original content, and the like means that you can watch basically whatever sort of show you want, pretty much whenever you want.

When it comes to sitcoms, I'm the wrong person to ask as I don't really watch them. Sometimes I'll watch an episode or two of "2 Broke Girls" but sitcoms aren't my thing. I'd personally rather watch an episode of "Criminal Minds" that I've seen 10 times (which I do often, frankly).

As to intros to shows, I really dislike long ones. I don't want time which could be used for content used instead for some intricate theme intro.

But really, how anyone could complain when there's simply more content than anyone could even keep track of, let alone watch, is beyond me.

[rexcrk]

Originally Posted by GaragePoet

is this a "back in my day" rant?

It’s honestly what I took away from this lol.

It’s all about growing up and it’s something I’m kind of tired of seeing. Of course the shows you watched back in the day will seem more special than what’s on now.

But here’s the thing: the kids growing up with today’s shows are going to be looking at them in twenty years and be like “what I had was so much better than what’s on now” and the generation after that will be doing the same. It’s all cyclical.

[FilmKoala]

Originally Posted by the one who knocks

Maybe try Disney Channel and Nickelodeon? They used to have sitcoms geared towards children like the ones you mentioned. iCarly, Hanna Montana, Wizards of Waverly Place, etc. Not sure if they still do.

iCarly was unironically an amazing show, I don't care what anyone says.

[Kaydigi]

Op check out 30 Rock, Silicon Valley, Curb Your Enthusiam and Unbreakable Kimmy Schimdt.

[Paul Fulci 001]

The old shows are the best. Everything is too bland and PC now.
2 Broke Girls was the last funny show for me.