Old vs. new TV shows.
Whether or not older TV is better than what’s on offer at the moment has been a raging debate for nearly as long as TV has been around. While there’s no set answer, there are plenty of arguments for each side.
Whether you prefer TV shows inspired by Jersey Shore or instead prefer to watch dramas, we think this list will help you decide whether you favour older or newer TV shows. In this article, we’ll look at why this might be seen as the answer, what the truth might be, as well as which old TV shows are best.
Why do people prefer old TV shows?
There are a few reasons people might prefer old TV shows to modern ones. One argument is that there’s a sense of nostalgia that can come with watching something you used to love as a child or teenager. As well as that, many people believe that the quality of writing and acting was simply better in older TV series.
Finally, some argue that old TV shows were less censored than modern ones, meaning they could be more risqué and controversial. In an age where free speech seems to be at the front of nearly every conversation, this more censored world often riles people up, so they may then prefer to watch old TV shows that were often more controversial.
What’s the truth?
The answer to this question is probably somewhere in the middle. While it’s true that some old TV shows are better than others, it’s also true that plenty of new ones are just as good, if not better. It really depends on what you’re looking for and what you personally enjoy watching, as you may have a preference for certain artistic styles.
New TV shows are designed to cater for the younger portion of the population; as a result, they’re often much louder and involve many more moving parts. This appears to be liked more by younger viewers as it’s been said that they have briefer attention spans and so the shorter sections and various character arcs are often well-received.
Which old TV series are best?
If you’re looking for some great old TV series to watch, here are a few of our favorites, as well as why they’re loved by so many. This list isn’t exhaustive, there’s no way it can be, but there are some fantastic shows listed that are still loved by millions today.
Mad Men
This show is set in the 1960s and follows the life of Don Draper, an advertising executive. It’s a beautifully written show with some amazing acting that’s sure to leave you wanting more. What’s more, not many TV shows offer such an accurate portrayal of the world in which they’re set, but Mad Men does that absolutely to perfection.
The Sopranos
This classic HBO series is often seen as one of the best TV shows ever made. Following the iconic Tony Soprano, a New Jersey mob boss, it deals with themes of family, loyalty, and betrayal in a way that’s never been done before or since. The show is shocking, revolting, and tear-inducing in equal measure, emotions that barely any other show manages to provoke.
The Wire
This is another show that’s often seen as one of the best ever made. Set in Baltimore, it follows various police officers and drug dealers as they fight against each other in a never-ending battle. The Wire is an incredibly smart show that’s brilliantly written and acted, something that’s very rare to find on TV. It’s a TV classic still loved today.
Lost
This is a show that’s still talked about today, even though it ended nearly 10 years ago. It follows the survivors of a plane crash who find themselves stranded on a mysterious island. Lost is an incredibly complex show with plenty of twists and turns that will leave you wanting more. It’s one of those rare shows that’s just as good, if not better, the second time around.
Buffy The Vampire Slayer
This is a show that’s often seen as being ahead of its time. It follows Buffy Summers, a teenage girl who’s tasked with saving the world from vampires and other demons. Buffy, The Vampire Slayer is an incredibly smart show that deals with some very dark themes in a way that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking. It’s definitely worth a watch.
