Greg WilsonSep 13, 2025
So, so tired of cop shows. I want a series about three generations of an activist family. The grandparents were part of the anti-war/civil rights movement in the 60s. One of their kids is a slightly conservative gay corporate lawyer, the other manages a community center, and her kid is a trans college activist who's angry all the time. Throw in friends (and enemies) for all three generations, and start filming.
Show threadPete

@gvwilson
I think people watch cop shows and murder mysteries in part because of their familiar patterns. Medical and fire/EMS dramas are basically extensions of cop shows. Easy to write and film, constantly underlining the status quo.

I feel like we need some upgraded story paradigms.

Sep 13, 2025 at 9:35pmWeb
Show threadPatSep 13, 2025
@forpeterssake @gvwilson a new paradigm might be to jettison TV shows altogether (on all devices and platforms) and use the time to read books or volunteer in the community. I have not watched any TV at all since early 1990s and my life is rich and rewarding.
Show threadRamenCatholic 🐢🌈Sep 14, 2025

@patrascan I'm glad that works for you!

TV helped me learn to read before I started going to school (via captioning use by Deaf family members) & my Deaf parent used it to help combat loneliness in areas without a strong Deaf community.

I usually have the TV on as background noise when reading, it seems to help me focus somehow. I blame my 'tism for that, lol.

I like the idea of "all things in moderation, including moderation" myself.

@forpeterssake @gvwilson

Show threadPeteSep 14, 2025
@RamenCatholic @patrascan @gvwilson
I tend to favor reading over watching, but television is such a compelling and powerful storytelling medium, I'm not surprised people gravitate toward it. From a societal perspective, I think we ignore its power and abilities at our own peril.
Show threadPatSep 14, 2025
@forpeterssake @RamenCatholic @gvwilson you make some very good points, Pete, especially the power of visual storytelling. What often puzzles me are complaints about the poor quality of TV shows or the ubiquity of gratuitous violence when watchhing TV is, after all, a voluntary activity people choose to engage with.
Show threadStefan MonnierSep 14, 2025
@forpeterssake @gvwilson You can do the same kind of "how are they going to solve it this time" with a lower-class family struggling with their regular problems.