What drives a TV show?

[grapedog]

I finally got my Farscape seasons in, and I started watching them again. The one thing that stands out to me in this series, and not a lot of others, is the love story between John and Aeryn. For me it's what really makes the series worthwhile to watch.

I'm trying to think of others shows I loved and what propelled them forward or made them worthy of my time. Deadwood was just well written and acted, but it had something else I can't put my finger on...same as with Carnivale whcih was also a great show, but I can't pinpoint what it was that drove me weekly to watch the show. Eureka is another one, that one does have the love interest backstory between Carter and Blake, but it's also well written and funny.

I guess for me, being well written, witty and well acted is high on my list. A good love story is always welcome if it fits well into the show...

What drives some of your favorite shows?

[StrayRogue]

Characters and Dramatic Conflict.

As any writer would tell you.

[grapedog]

Characters and Dramatic Conflict.

As any writer would tell you.


well, i was looking for more specifically what drove some of your favorite shows, not so much generalities.

[TheEschaton]

Well, I think the Sopranos for me was Tony and his struggle for something better than what he was. There was a great deal of external conflict, but it was the internal conflicts of each character, Tony especially, which drives it.

Scrubs - JD's internal monologues. I have similar monologues about similar subjects in my head. I space out and think of random shit. That's why I relate to him.

The Daily Show: because it's spot on.

-TheE-

[Apotheosis]

for some reason, I like the new battlestar galactica, but, I really don't know why.

[Back]

For me its all about characters. A well defined character with a simple yet unique personality played by a good actor(ress) is what I consider what really drives a good show/movie/play. If you have this you can put them in any setting or genre with any kind of story and it will be good.

Of course this is when you have great synergy between writer, actor and director.

[Asha]

For me it's the eventual revelation that keeps me coming back.
Farscape, will John get home?
Voyager, same thing.
Jericho, who the fuck bombed us?
Heroes, what do they all have in commin?
Lost, Just.. what?

Other times it's the cast of characters and especially the actors that charm me and millions of others like Northern Exposure did.
Lots of new and likeable faces and excellent writing make cult shows.