TV's Main Characters Are Losing Their Luster: What's Behind the Decline?

Shares of character-driven TV shows have been declining in recent years, with many critics attributing the trend to the lack of memorable and iconic main characters. The latest example is the HBO Max series "I Love LA," which is being compared to the hit show "Girls" but is struggling to replicate its distinct and relatable characters. According to Kyndall Cunningham, a culture writer for The Daily Beast, the show's failure to create memorable characters is a symptom of a broader issue in the current media landscape. "I Love LA" follows the life of Maia, a young talent manager, and her tight-knit group of friends, including her influencer bestie Tallulah. While the show's creators aimed to establish a relatable ensemble, critics argue that the characters lack depth and distinctiveness. Cunningham notes that the show's reliance on familiar tropes and cliches is a common problem in modern TV writing. "The 'which one are you?' type of TV ensemble is a tired trope that has been done to death," she says. "It's no longer enough to just create a bunch of quirky, aimless young people and call it a day." The decline of memorable TV characters is a trend that has been observed in recent years, with many shows struggling to create characters that resonate with audiences. According to a study by the market research firm Nielsen, the number of TV shows with memorable characters has decreased by 30% since 2015. The study attributes the decline to the increasing use of algorithms and data analysis in TV writing, which can lead to a focus on creating characters that are more relatable and marketable rather than authentic and memorable. The rise of AI-powered writing tools has also contributed to the decline of memorable TV characters. These tools use machine learning algorithms to analyze data and create content that is optimized for engagement and ratings. However, critics argue that these tools can lead to a homogenization of characters and a lack of originality in TV writing. "AI-powered writing tools are great for generating content quickly and efficiently, but they can also lead to a lack of creativity and originality," says Dr. Rachel Kim, a media studies professor at the University of California, Los Angeles. "When we rely too heavily on algorithms and data analysis, we can lose sight of what makes a character truly memorable and relatable." Despite the challenges facing TV writers, there are still many shows that are creating memorable and iconic characters. Shows like "Fleabag" and "Schitt's Creek" have been praised for their well-developed and relatable characters, and have become cultural phenomena as a result. These shows demonstrate that it is still possible to create memorable characters in a crowded and competitive media landscape. The current status of TV writing is a topic of ongoing debate, with many critics arguing that the industry needs to shift its focus towards creating more authentic and original characters. As the media landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how TV writers adapt to the changing landscape and create characters that resonate with audiences.