The way we watch television is changing. Not because of better stories or more compelling characters, but because of our phones. Hollywood has acknowledged that audiences are increasingly distracted, and entertainment is adapting to a world dominated by TikTok, Instagram Reels, and short-form video. The result is a reshaping of the industry, with investments in vertical micro-dramas, and a subtle but significant shift in how screenplays are written.
The Rise of Micro-Dramas and the “Second Screen” Problem
The core issue isn’t simply that people are watching TV while using their phones. It’s that the constant stream of short-form content has trained attention spans to demand immediate gratification. Executives now face the reality that viewers may not give a show their full, undivided attention.
This is why Netflix and other streaming services are reportedly urging writers to make their content more “accessible” to distracted audiences. One way to do that? Have characters explicitly state their intentions, removing any need for careful inference. The goal is to ensure that even those scrolling through social media between scenes can still follow the plot.
This isn’t necessarily about “dumbing down” content, as some may assume. Rather, it’s a practical response to a changing media landscape where competition for attention is fiercer than ever before. Executives are responding to consumer behavior, not dictating it.
The Impact on Quality and the Future of Prestige TV
The shift has consequences. The “golden age of television,” defined by critically acclaimed, high-budget dramas, may be waning. The influx of short-form competition from platforms like YouTube and TikTok is forcing streaming services to prioritize quantity over quality to retain subscribers.
The result? A flood of easily digestible, low-effort content – like Lindsay Lohan Christmas movies – that, while popular, often lacks the artistic ambition of its predecessors. The industry is producing more content than ever, but much of it is unintentional “slop,” designed to fill the void rather than elevate storytelling.
The Path Forward: Quality Will Eventually Win Out
Despite the current trend, experts predict a future backlash. As generative AI technologies further accelerate the production of low-quality content, audiences will likely become more discerning. A breaking point may arrive where viewers actively seek out high-quality programming, even if it means paying a premium for it.
Some streaming services, like Apple TV+, may eventually lean into exclusive, high-end productions, while others may struggle to compete in a saturated market. The industry may shrink, but the demand for exceptional storytelling will endure.
“High-quality art has always stayed, and people have always sought it out.”
Ultimately, the future of entertainment may be smaller, more selective, and more expensive. But for those who value compelling narratives, the pursuit of quality will always remain.
