Bait-and-bore TV shows

2023.04.14

Some American TV shows start with an interesting angle. For example, “Sex and the City”: New York City and sex. “Shrinking”: therapists.

I find it disappointing that they very soon abandon the uniqueness of their approach and revert to a more classic sitcom plot that’s just about the characters.

“Sex and City” broaches some interesting sexual topics in its first season, as well as specific New York City themes. But then there is none of that left and it becomes a boring soap opera about four characters and their personal issues.

“Shrinking” starts with an interesting character who breaks the rules of his job as a therapist by actually telling his patients what he thinks and giving them concrete advice. But that only lasts a couple of episodes, and then once again it’s back to a boring soap opera.

Was there nothing left to say about the more unique theme? Is it just more effort, and once the viewers are attached to the characters, might as well just revert back to toying with them in a rehash of all soap operas that have ever been created?