The original post: /r/television by /u/TooDriven on 2026-03-10 07:34:34+00:00.
I don’t mind TV shows that take their time to develop their character and storylines. The Wire is probably my favorite show of all time.
But it has amazing characters and stories that you enjoy “just watching”, without waiting for any big reveals or anything.
In contrast, many modern TV shows seem to be mystery boxes that go on and on and on, teasing secrets and reveals, that either never come or only in 5 seasons in 10 years.
E.g. shows like the Blacklist, Severance, Pluribus, even the Expanse. You have to watch for like 10, 15 hours to get any answers (if at all). And the stuff inbetween often just feels like filler or slop. These characters just aren’t McNulty or Omar. Reddington is cool, but the plot gets lost completely. I am not saying these shows are “bad” by any means. I still had a decent time for a couple of seasons each (if available). But I felt I mostly just kept watching for these promised reveals and not because each episode was so interesting.
Contrast that with (also modern) shows like Stranger Things, Lupin or Sherlock (with Benedict Cumberbatch): They are interesting throughout with little filler. Every season wraps up nicely. Even if they are longer mysteries, it doesn’t feel like that is all the show is about.
Thoughts?