The original post: /r/television by /u/mayormcskeeze on 2024-05-07 16:36:38.
Thankfully it seems like we’re getting better about this in the last couple years, but there was definitely a lengthy period of US mainstream network/basic cable television where everyone HAD to be hot.
I don’t mean attractive. I mean H O double T model level hot whether it made any sense for the character or not.
Back in the day I recall laughing about it, but rolling with it. Now, when I go back to shows from that time period I find it so distracting and out of place that I struggle to stick with a show.
For example, I tried to watch the 12 Monkeys show recently - I heard it was good, and I missed it at the time.
In the second scene we are introduced to one of the main characters who is supposed to be a brilliant, genius level doctor and academic. She was played by a young ballet dancer/model, and we’re introduced to her giving an academic lecture in an outfit that would be more appropriate for a cocktail party than a symposium.
No offense to Amanda Schull - she’s a fine actor, and it is certainly not her fault that casting from that era was wonky.
Nor do I think that actors like Ms. Schull ought to be pigeon holed into playing “generic hot girl” parts for their entire career.
More just that the 90s/2000s trend where EVERY character (especially females) HAD to be drop dead gorgeous went way too far. There are obviously exceptionally accomplished people out there who are also very young and very hot, but in my opinion they went rather overboard.
Looking back now, it sticks out like a sore thumb, is kinda cringe, and makes shows from that era hard to watch, in my opinion.