Sopranos creator David Chase says TV has gotten dumber

Sopranos creator David Chase says TV has gotten dumber – The creative argues that currently there is no longer quality television because viewers cannot pay attention.

By Megan Sauer

David Chase does not mince words when sharing his opinion on the quality of television products broadcast today.

Through a new interview with The Times, the creator of The Sopranos claims that the small screen has become dull in recent years, arguing that showrunners no longer care about making quality TV because people no longer have the patience. and the attention to focus on complex narratives.

The Sopranos aired from 1999 to 2007. The plot centers on Tony Soprano, an Italian-American mafia boss from New Jersey, who faces challenges in both his criminal life and his family life. The series is known for its complex narrative, multifaceted characters, and deep exploration of themes such as morality, family, and power.

The impact of The Sopranos on pop culture has been significant, marking a turning point in cable television and establishing itself as one of the most influential series in history.

Its bold focus on morally ambiguous characters and the way it addresses the psychology of its protagonists set a standard for quality television, influencing numerous subsequent productions and redefining audiences’ expectations of television storytelling.

On television in the present, Chase talks about a recent television project he was working on, explaining that company executives asked him to “simplify the plot.”

We go back to where I was. They are going to have commercials [on streamers regarding platforms like Prime Video]. We like multitasking more. We’re confused because the audience can’t keep their mind on things, so we can’t do anything that makes much sense, that draws attention, and requires the audience to concentrate.

The eternal television

The Sopranos also left a lasting mark on popular culture by challenging narrative conventions and presenting complex characters who did not easily fit into stereotypes. The iconic opening sequence, James Gandolfini’s brilliant performance as Tony Soprano, and ability to combine drama, comedy, and philosophical reflection contributed to its widespread acclaim.

The Sopranos paved the way for the Golden Age of Television and established a model that inspired numerous contemporary series, demonstrating that television could be a sophisticated and complex artistic medium.

Now, the infantilization of society through film and television in Hollywood has become a noticeable trend in the last decade. Many audiovisual productions, for both the big and small screen, have shown a leaning toward simplified plots, light humor, and a colorful visual aesthetic intended to appeal to a younger audience.

This approach seeks not only to entertain but also to capture the attention of younger consumers, considering their influence on family entertainment decisions. The abundance of animated film adaptations, superhero franchises with lighter tones, and the revitalization of classic children’s shows indicate a shift toward content that can be consumed by audiences of all ages, but that ultimately favors a more simplified and easy to digest.

This phenomenon is also reflected in product marketing and the growing dependence on family franchises. Marketing strategies are increasingly oriented towards products and toys, creating a consumer experience that extends beyond the screen.

Infantilization, in this context, manifests not only in the choice of content, but also in the way it is presented and marketed, contributing to a culture that prioritizes nostalgia and accessibility rather than narrative complexity and artistic challenge.

Infantilization can contribute to a more superficial level of cultural consumption, where entertainment is reduced to a quick visual and emotional experience without the depth offered by more complex content.

This could influence audiences’ ability to critically engage with the stories they consume and limit their exposure to diverse perspectives and more mature reflections on life and society.

Additionally, excessive targeting of a younger audience in the entertainment industry can lead to a loss of cultural and artistic richness that can provide more diverse and challenging content.

Ultimately, infantilization can have negative effects on the quality and variety of content available, as well as the audience’s ability to confront and appreciate more complex and meaningful narratives.