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The experience of watching telly has changed a lot throughout the years. From bulky black and white screens to 4K resolution and smart TVs, we have a new world of opportunities at our fingertips. With more and more ways to make content – and how easy it is to share it – television has abandoned the traditional ‘TV guide’ style of programming and has changed the ways your favourite shows are made, funded and viewed.
So, how are smart TVs changing the landscape of television and why is this a great time to be a telly fan?
A New Way to Watch TV
With the advent of streaming platforms, especially Netflix and Amazon, the ‘rules’ of watching TV have changed completely. Everything is different, and we now have a new world of content at the press of a button. With no scheduling or live shows, viewers are free to stream thousands of shows and movies whenever they want – be on their computer, tablet or even phone! Often, episodes are also released all at once, so viewers don’t have to wait another week to see another chapter of their favourite show.
The way this content is made is also different. With Netflix producing its own shows, such as House of Cards (the first foray of many), episodes’ length can suit the plotline, for instance, meaning the quality of content is also greater. And ending on a cliffhanger to keep viewers interested is not necessary anymore either. Fewer restrictions can give way to exceptional content and binge-watching is now definitely something most people do.
All the episodes of The Crown were available to view on their release date, meaning viewers just had to keep on watching until they decided to stop – and then resume when and where they felt like it. The more TV shows and movies we watch or like, the more companies like Netflix and Amazon can create content they know we will love. They can also tailor the suggestions they offer, which help to keep us interested!
And, of course, this also means that even if viewers don’t watch a certain show the moment it becomes available, they will likely go back and watch it at their own pace or on their own time.
More Risks Equals More Fun
With these streaming platforms being able to produce and make their own content, they can also take more risks. They are aware of what we like and don’t like and what might prove to be a huge success – but they also know there are many other shows we might like if they were created, even if they might prove to be a little risky.
With their decisions to take more risks in the entertainment industry, viewers are the ones who benefit! Original, creative and interesting content is always being produced, made or released, so they have plenty to watch and enjoy.
A great example of a ‘risky’ decision was The Crown. Writer Peter Morgan and director Stephen Daldry went to see Ted Sarandos, the chief content officer of Netflix, as they had come up with a fantastic idea for a TV series. Without even seeing a script, Sarandos awarded them with £100 million to produce it. The Crown, a drama that tells the stories of the life of Queen Elisabeth II, has been highly praised. A risk that, no doubt, was more than worth it!
Watch Your Favourite (Obscure) Content
Another thing that makes watching smart TVs so great is that many ‘obscure’ stories are now being made into movies and shows. Terry Pratchett’s and Neil Gaiman’s Good Omens is an example of a miniseries that Amazon will be streaming soon, with actors such as David Tennant and Michael Sheen already chosen.
We might have never been able to watch shows such as this if this streaming platform, and others like it, had not grown the way they did. The way we watch television would be very different and, possibly, with less ‘freedom’ to create content.
