>> These shows between them are definitely an argument — if ever one was needed — for the importance of TV writers, and the need to compensate them fairly for their work. <<
And over which issue the writers' union here in the US (WGA) went out about a month ago, and on progress in negotiations since then I have only heard crickets. Which leads me to believe that the "networks" (which has transitioned this century beyond just the big piles of affiliated stations broadcasting on free TV to become gigantic baskets of special-interest pay channels, and recently archives and streaming centers) are more interested in inflicting previously scripted content or unscripted stuff (game/reality shows) on their users, perhaps in driving them toward streaming, than they are about actually putting out things someone might want to watch.
Perhaps things will pick up a bit when the movie studios (again, branches of Big Media now) realize how much their revenue stream is going to collapse when all the previously scripted content has been made -- or, alternatively (and there are rumors to this effect), the directors join the writers.
Personally, I'm rooting hard against the studios. If people can't make a living with their creativity, it's just not going to happen.
Re: writers
And over which issue the writers' union here in the US (WGA) went out about a month ago, and on progress in negotiations since then I have only heard crickets. Which leads me to believe that the "networks" (which has transitioned this century beyond just the big piles of affiliated stations broadcasting on free TV to become gigantic baskets of special-interest pay channels, and recently archives and streaming centers) are more interested in inflicting previously scripted content or unscripted stuff (game/reality shows) on their users, perhaps in driving them toward streaming, than they are about actually putting out things someone might want to watch.
Perhaps things will pick up a bit when the movie studios (again, branches of Big Media now) realize how much their revenue stream is going to collapse when all the previously scripted content has been made -- or, alternatively (and there are rumors to this effect), the directors join the writers.
Personally, I'm rooting hard against the studios. If people can't make a living with their creativity, it's just not going to happen.