For awhile now I have increasingly felt television is almost on par with films in terms of quality. Television doesn't have the same budget to compete with film in many areas such as acting talent, special effects or filming on the spot locations... not to mention time frame. Yet with all the constraints of television I am impressed with how well it is doing.
Picture quality in some shows are practically identical to, if not better than, an average film. This isn't too surprising though since now an HD camcorder can be purchased for around $100 and the average home video may look as good as a 70's TV show. Special effects have come a long way too for the lower budget of TV. Consider the last explosion you saw on TV and then compare that to Independence Day (which made me laugh hysterically the last time I watched it).
Also what good shows lack in terms of raw acting talent, they make up for it with good writing and more in depth character development. Good films now tend to be longer and I think the extra character development is why. A 120 min movie was quite long in the early 90's; now it's normal for a film to run 150 min to really to a good job. This still can't compete with the time of a well written TV show than runs around 12-18 hrs over the course of a season.
I have wondered if these factors are going to attract the really talented writers to pursue Television instead of film in the future. Personally I like the idea of extended mini-series, if such a thing exists. Where there is a really good story, interesting characters, is too long for a film but has a definite ending unlike TV shows. In fact the biggest downfall of TV is that good shows can run too long. The writers already did what they set out to do with the show but the network feels there is money to be made so they renew and renew when they would have done a bigger service to the audience by pulling the plug... Alias anyone.
Unfortunately the inverse is also true. There are some shows that are simply amazing but are never given a real chance. That being said here is my list of top shows that were canceled before their time or, as mysteriously abbreviated in my title, Prematurely Canceled Television Shows.
1. Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Two words: Aaron Sorkin. The creator of Sports Night and The West Wing gave it another try and did so beautifully with Studio 60. This show had talent in the actors too; Amanda Peet, Matthew Perry and Bradley Whitford with a slew of supporting actors who had also starred in feature films. From the very start the story was off and running so why did this one only last a single season. I blame 30 Rock. Now I like 30 Rock just fine and really enjoy Tina Fey it's creator. But seriously two shows that came out at the same time, on the same network about the backstage workings of a Late Night sketch comedy show? They were both funny but Studio 60 also made you think.
2. Better off Ted
All of the shows on this list were plagued with a lack of advertising. Better off Ted is at the top of the list on this scale. I first heard about it toward the end of the first season (thank you Matt Kunkle for enlightening me). The writing was genius which kept the zany, over the top nature of this show in check. Taking place in a corporate office building the characters strive to find sanity within a company who values profits above all else. Profits over People is their motto; it just looks better in Latin as inscribed in the building's floor.
3. Firefly
There are plenty of people who would say I am very wrong to rank Firefly third on this list, many of whom would be arguing the number one position. The arguments may have merit but ultimately I felt the true fans of Firefly were given a gift that the rest of these shows did not receive... a full length feature film to tie up loose ends. The series and film are both so well done that either can stand on their own but together they complement nicely. However, if given another two or three seasons this story could have been so much more complete. Props to Joss Whedon on this show. Who would have thought a Space Western was possible?
4. Arrested Development
Most people have heard me rant about this show getting canceled at least once. So some may be wondering why it's all the way down at number four. Those already familiar with this show will know that it ran three seasons which is the longest of all the shows on this list. I can't think of an episode that I didn't enjoy but it does beg the question of how long that could have held true. I know they could have kept going but part of me is glad they stopped while they were ahead.
5. Life
Of all the shows on this list Life is the one that almost didn't make it. There are plenty of other shows that arguably could take this spot (and I hope you will comment on which shows and why) or any of the other spots on this list. For me Life made the cut because this was the show that gave me the impression of the shift in quality of TV vs. film. The acting is quality and the cinematography for a television show is very good. If you are not familiar with Life I would recommend checking it out.
So there's my thoughts on the issue which, if nothing else, I hope have been an enjoyable way to pass the time. I am always on the look for great shows, so if I have left one out or there is one that you find noteworthy leave a comment so I can check it out.
