Quality Television: Why do we need it? 

Television has been around from the 20th century, with each generation seeing great development in the media they consume over the years, not just in quality of audio or video but also in quality of content. What exactly is quality television? In the context of movies or serials broadcasted to the world, it could be taken as content which is not only deep and thought provoking but also includes an array of complex characters that are relatable to the viewers in some way. This could include but is not limited to characters with disabilities, varying skin tones and cultures, or those which identify as queer. Characters who represent the world we live in. 

The preference for this kind of content is obvious and can be seen clearly in the evolution of the audience’s tastes. Take the example of one such T.V show aired on Nickelodeon, a popular children’s network, in 2005 - “Avatar: The Last Airbender”. This is a show which effortlessly breaks the invisible barriers that restricted children’s television. This show not only includes the epic fight scenes which are a key feature of this genre but the former is also reinforced by a plot which is not afraid to be emotionally complex. The show also boasts of well-developed characters. Notably, one of the strongest characters is a 12-year-old visually impaired girl. The series did incredibly well, winning numerous awards, and still retains much of its popularity 17 years later. 

The truth is that television is playing a significant role in bringing up today’s youth, whether it is the ABC’s from “Cocomelon” or the Aesopian morals of the shows of “Disney Junior”, anyone with an electrical connection watches and consumes content. Unfortunately, a lot of this content is shallow and repetitive and offers no chance of real thought. 

The demand for good quality of content has increased and several outlets are trying to deliver the same. Streaming services like Netflix are now producing shows of outstanding quality leaving its audience of millions hungry for more. 

Arcane, a nine-part animated action series released earlier this year by Netflix, broke boundaries with its collection of incredibly unique art, which used 3D as well 2D elements, intricate storyline, and wide variety of complex characters. The plot centers around the journey of two sisters, an unlikely central setting for an action series. It also has a 9.3/10 score on IMDB, which is the highest that a Netflix original show has ever received. 

As great shows continue to be produced, the bar for this kind of content also rises. Eventually, my hope is that we will live to see a future where the content we consume is as meaningful as the lives we live. 

Marjan Raja is a student of Ridge Valley School. Views expressed are personal.