The Rise of “Prestige-Like” TV Shows
Series such as All Her Fault, Task, and The Beast in Me resemble high-quality television with skilled actors and intricate plots, yet they fall short of true prestige. These shows are more of a lighter version of prestige TV.
In April, The New York Times TV critic James Poniewozik discussed the phenomenon of “mid TV,” where the abundance of streaming services has led to numerous big-budget but mediocre shows. This trend followed a long period of critically acclaimed TV series.
For instance, the 2017 adaptation of Liane Moriarty’s Big Little Lies was exceptional, while the 2024 adaptation of Apples Never Fall was lackluster. Poniewozik noted that TV quality has gradually declined, leaving viewers with less memorable content.
New Releases and Viewer Expectations
December brings new content to Netflix, offering viewers a variety of movies and shows to enjoy. However, the rise of “mid TV” continues, characterized by shows that seem appealing from a distance but lack substance upon closer examination.
Series like Task and Lazarus offer intriguing premises but often fall short in execution. Despite featuring talented actors like Sam Claflin and Bill Nighy, these shows struggle to maintain viewer interest due to convoluted plots and lack of depth.
Similarly, All Her Fault, starring Sarah Snook and Dakota Fanning, tackles important themes but does so with heavy-handed storytelling. The narrative often relies on dramatic music and withheld information to create a sense of tension.
The Beast in Me, featuring Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys, is another example. Despite its popularity, the show lacks the gripping quality of true prestige TV, often feeling predictable and lacking in nuance.
Viewer Engagement and Content Creation
Deputy executive editor Erin Strecker suggests that many mid TV shows could have been concise films in the past. Now, they are stretched into series to meet the demand for streaming content, often resulting in plots that lack sufficient substance.
To adjust expectations, viewers might consider these shows as entertaining but average productions with high production values. Art is subjective, and what one critic deems as “mid” might be enjoyable to another.
Ultimately, the effort to create engaging content should be appreciated. During challenging times, having a wide array of shows to choose from—whether high-quality or not—offers a welcome distraction.
Shows like Hunting Wives embrace their identity, offering straightforward entertainment without pretense. Understanding the distinction between true prestige and “prestige-like” TV can enhance the viewing experience.
