My husband Dan and I began watching The White Lotus two nights ago after hearing great things about the show from many different sources, and we just cannot get into it. We were underwhelmed after watching the first episode and decided to muscle through the second, sure that the plot and character development would pick up, since the series had received such critical acclaim and ringing endorsements from people we like. The verdict? We’re still unenthused.
Why is it so hard to find great TV? And by great TV, I do not mean beautifully written and well-executed television, because I actually think there is plenty of that, but TV that is enjoyable and engaging, that makes me want to keep watching?
I don’t say this to be holier-than-thou. I would love to find more TV that I like, but much of what is produced now is so heavy and dark, I cannot muster the energy to watch it. I dwell enough on the problems of our world in my daily life, and I want an escape when I switch on the television. I don’t want to feel worse about the state of humanity when I am done, no matter how fantastically crafted the show is. I want to feel better than I did going in. Uplifted. Happy. Hopeful.
I love when I find what I consider to be a great show. I love anticipating the next episode. I love looking forward to that little space in the late evening when Dan and I can take a small dessert plate, turn on the screen, and relax while becoming lost in the unfolding story before us. This is a ritual we do together, and it is nice to have a shared experience at the end of the day. We laugh about how ridiculously specific my show criteria is: not dark, not gory, not raunchy, not scary, not sports, not reality (unless it’s a home decorating show or Shark Tank), not slapstick, not demeaning towards women (preferably with good representation), and most of all, makes me feel hopeful about human beings’ capacity to do good. Recent shows that have fit this criteria? This Is Us, Ted Lasso, A Million Little Things.
Those are all over, so we are searching hard for something else to satisfy my pickiness. Many of my friends do not watch TV at all anymore, and I understand. Free time is limited, and time spent watching TV (especially mediocre TV just to pass the time) is time that cannot be spent doing something else—time that could be allocated for reading or catching up on chores or even just sleeping. But the thing is, I am okay giving up this time at the end of the day for TV. There is little of value I would accomplish at 8 pm, and the show time is for Dan and me both.
Listening to others’ recommendations for great shows or perusing the streaming services’ algorithms only gets us all so far because they do not take into account the motivation for powering on the screen in the first place. Why do you want to watch? What are you seeking? An escape from boredom? To be entertained? To find a certain feeling?
MASH remains my favorite show of all time. Although technically a comedy, each episode contained a dramatic subplot. Profound, endearing, and thought-provoking, the series examined the Korean War with all its grittiness. These themes were tempered with incredible humor, all delivered by seasoned and terrific actors.
My husband and I watched reruns faithfully every night and both cried at the finale.
I absolutely feel the same way you do Emily. Would love to find a good episode to watch with Husband. But you nailed it, so far no show.