TV's Main Characters Are Losing Their Edge: What's Behind the Trend?

The current television landscape has been criticized for producing forgettable main characters, with many shows failing to replicate the iconic and distinct personalities seen in earlier series such as HBO's Girls. The latest example of this trend is the HBO Max series I Love LA, which is being compared to Girls but has yet to establish the same level of relatable and memorable characters. According to Kyndall Cunningham, a culture writer for The Daily Beast, I Love LA's attempt to create a "which one are you?" type of TV ensemble is noticeably missing from the show. Cunningham noted that I Love LA follows aspiring talent manager Maia and her tight-knit group of friends, including her formerly estranged influencer bestie Tallulah, whom she represents as a client. However, the show's portrayal of its characters has been criticized for lacking depth and distinctiveness. "The show wants to establish relatable characters, but it's clear that they're trying to fit into a mold that's been done before," Cunningham said. "It's not necessarily a bad thing, but it's definitely a trend that's worth discussing." The trend of forgettable main characters in TV shows can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in content creation and the shift towards more formulaic storytelling. AI-powered writing tools and algorithms can help writers generate content more quickly and efficiently, but they can also lead to a lack of originality and creativity. "AI is not a replacement for human writers, but it can certainly influence the way we write and the types of stories we tell," said Dr. Rachel Kim, a media studies expert at the University of California, Los Angeles. The impact of this trend on society is also worth considering. When TV shows fail to create memorable and relatable characters, it can lead to a sense of disconnection and isolation among viewers. "When we watch TV, we're not just watching a show, we're also watching ourselves and the people around us," said Dr. Kim. "If the characters on TV are forgettable, it can make us feel like we're not being seen or heard." I Love LA is still in its early stages, and it remains to be seen whether the show will be able to establish the same level of iconic characters as Girls. However, the trend of forgettable main characters in TV shows is a concerning one, and it highlights the need for more original and creative storytelling in the industry. As Cunningham noted, "It's not necessarily a bad thing to be compared to Girls, but it's definitely a challenge to live up to that standard."