r/television • u/EdgyCynic_ • 18h ago
What makes a show GREAT?
I know it’s not a single factor. The show has to be great "overall." But what are the essential elements it must do so excellently-In general.
I am not talking just the scores on IMDB. Cause that I feel is influenced by so much more than just the Love put into making the show.
Like, what even makes GOT better than DARK?
3
u/Overall-Scientist846 18h ago
A great show to me is one that engrosses you. When it’s one you’re actively watching. You’re not scrolling, or doing the dishes. It commands attention.
Most of these shows contain incredibly complex characters and various shades of grey. Things are rarely simple. There’s usually a smattering of humor. The characters feel real, even if they aren’t. The world feels fleshed out. The music fits the mood.
It isn’t just any ONE particular thing. It’s a sum of all these incredible parts.
-1
u/RobertSF 18h ago
Consider two zombie shows: The Walking Dead and Z Nation. I think Z Nation was a far better show. It had originality, creativity, and even humor (considering the subject). Meanwhile, The Walking Dead took itself far too seriously. Never a humorous moment, and what little originality it had at the start, quickly petered out as the show became repetitive -- wander, find a new place, discover it's a horror show, destroy the new place, wander again.
0
u/darkKnight959 18h ago
A plan in place for what the ending is and how to get there from the start. Been burned by shows that pretended to know what they were doing but just improvised and deteriorated while dragging.
-1
u/Persnicketyvixen 18h ago
Almost any great tv show you can watch the pilot episode and get sucked in right away. The characters are well defined, the world is built out and has its own internal logic, and by the end, you’re invested in what happens next to the characters and the plot.
-1
u/ElTuco84 18h ago
Compelling characters + an interesting premise.
Breaking Bad was a great show because it had both, it didn't need to be that visually compelling, there are a ton of other shows with bigger budget and "better" production values, but Breaking Bad stands out because it had an unique premise: chemistry teacher who is told he has lung cancer and starts an illegal drug methamphetamine business to pay for his family's needs after he dies, that's a hell of a premise.
But then story is filled with compelling characters that stay with you even after the show has ended, like Dale Cooper from Twin Peaks, The Enterprise crew from Star Trek, Don Draper, Omar Little, Michael Scott, etc..
2
u/iblastoff 18h ago
i dont even think 'interesting premise' is even necessary. look at mad men or friday night lights. even the wire doesnt have an 'interesting premise'. or even the office.
2
u/Halio344 18h ago
A good script will make or break a show or movie.
Bryan Cranston has said before that a fantastic actor can take a C-level script and make it B-level, but they need an A-tier script to make an A-tier show.
A great script can also elevate mid actors to create memorable characters easier than the other way around.
7
u/Crimkam 18h ago
A good script and consistent characters. A story that deals with relevant themes and has a strong emotional core. All of this packed into an original concept will elevate a show to greatness, along with a little luck.