Recently, it feels like there is nothing to watch on TV. Whether movies or TV shows, endlessly scrolling through different streaming platforms is often the result when trying to find something to watch. Even if there is something to watch, once it is over, the cycle starts back up again.
But why is this? It is not like there are zero shows and movies on a platform like Netflix; it is the opposite. There are hundreds of different titles to watch across all different genres. And with so many various streaming sites available to the public, there are obviously many options.
So perhaps finding something to watch is where the problem lies. There are things to watch out there, but people need to look at it correctly, or the site needs to appropriately recommend the right shows to its streamers. When someone likes a movie or show, it can be for many different reasons. It could be the soundtrack, animation, cinematography, and so much more. Due to this, streaming platforms could get the obvious recommendations but not ones that relate to the specific aspect the watcher enjoyed.
Media is also something that is supposed to be enjoyed by others. This is the reason why audience reaction videos are so popular. Movies and shows are meant to be discussed with others; it is part of the experience. Recently, Barbie and Oppenheimer were two big movies everybody was raving about. Whether on the internet or with a group of people, the public was engaged in discussion about these movies. It was fun to get dressed head to toe in pink to watch Barbie, and it was something most people did when they watched this movie.
Even if there have been some standout movies and shows this year, once that is over, it is back to mindlessly scrolling and waiting for a new season, if there will be one. Sophia Mou (10) shares her opinion, saying, “I think Netflix, and streaming platforms in general, should include more genres of shows and movies. I am not interested in any recent shows. Instead, I am waiting for current shows to release new seasons.” With the new releases, it feels like they have become mainstream and similar to everything else. The competition between all these streaming platforms is a big cause of this. Paris Marx of Insider states, “Instead of investing in the highest quality, it refocused on quantity to ensure there was always something new in the library to entice people to stay subscribed” (Marx). When the focus is on the amount of titles being put out, the quality is bound to drop. This means the new shows and movies won’t have the same effect as the ones with more time spent on them.
Though it feels like there is nothing to watch these days, there are bound to be a few gems that break the internet. Whether it’s waiting for a new season or movie, there can be much to look forward to in the entertainment industry.
