Prestige TV Is Dead – and This Show Is the Proof

The Decline of Prestige Television

According to an article from The Independent, the era of prestige television may be coming to a close. The piece, titled “Prestige TV is dead – and this show is the proof,” argues that HBO’s new adaptation of Stephen King’s “It: Welcome to Derry” is indicative of broader industry trends. The author, Louis Chilton, suggests that these changes reflect a significant shift in the way television networks produce and market their content.

New Breed of Television

Chilton notes that the new breed of television combines the high production values and creative veneer of “prestige” shows with elements of lower-brow, genre-based entertainment. This hybrid approach is exemplified by “Welcome to Derry,” a prequel series set in the town where the original “It” film took place. The show’s mix of serious themes and over-the-top thrills challenges traditional boundaries between high and lowbrow content.

Historical Context

The article provides historical context by discussing how HBO once reigned as the global leader in prestige television, commissioning critically acclaimed shows such as “The Sopranos,” “Mad Men,” and “Breaking Bad.” However, since 2019, when Warner Bros Discovery launched its streaming service, HBO has faced an identity crisis. The network now produces a mix of adaptations from pre-existing intellectual properties (IP), including “It: Welcome to Derry,” “The Penguin,” and “Alien: Earth.”

Impact on Quality Original Programming

The author argues that this shift towards genre-based adaptations may have detrimental effects on the quality of original programming. He states, “Where is Succession’s successor?” This rhetorical question highlights a concern about the future landscape of television, suggesting that while there remains an appetite for high-quality content, the industry might be sacrificing innovation and creativity in favor of more familiar properties.

Expert Analysis

The piece draws on insights from industry experts to provide a deeper analysis. Chilton mentions the impact of “Game of Thrones,” which he believes was instrumental in breaking down the barrier between prestige television and genre fare. The show’s success demonstrated that audiences would embrace complex, visually rich narratives, regardless of their traditional classification.

Broader Industry Trends

The article notes a broader trend across the industry, with other networks also producing similar content. For example, AMC’s “Mad Men” and “Breaking Bad,” Showtime’s “Twin Peaks: The Return,” and FX’s “Louie” are cited as examples of more high-quality original programming from different networks. However, Chilton argues that this trend towards adaptations may be squeezing out the room for truly innovative, original content.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the article suggests a shift in the television industry where high and low sensibilities are increasingly converging. While “It: Welcome to Derry” is far from being 2025’s best show, it represents a significant change in how networks produce and market their content. The author posits that this trend could have broader implications for the future of prestige television, potentially leading to a less diverse and more formulaic landscape.