How many series have you stopped watching simply because you felt like you were seeing a copy of a copy?
If you’ve had this sense of déjà vu, you’re not alone. More and more viewers are complaining about striking similarities between recent productions—recycled plots, familiar characters, repetitive dialogues, standardized visuals…
But what’s really going on?
The rise of the streaming aesthetic
One of the main contributors to this uniformity is the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max. TV production has leaned heavily into a sleek, desaturated aesthetic—neutral color palettes, heavy shadows, and symmetrical compositions that create a sense of seriousness—even in shows that don’t necessarily need it. This style, once reserved for high-budget dramas like The Sopranos or The Wire, is now the default across genres. Whether it’s a sci-fi thriller or a true crime docudrama, the visual language is cinematic but sterile, moody but monotonous.
The algorithm’s influence in creative choices
Streaming services rely on data and algorithms to decide which shows to greenlight. Unlike in the past, where creative risks were taken based on gut instinct, executives today look at metrics—watch time, retention, and engagement. This is why so many contemporary TV series feel like they’re cut from the same cloth: a slow-burn mystery with multiple timelines, an antihero with a morally ambiguous backstory, or a group of misfits solving a cryptic conspiracy.
The narrative beats feel familiar because they are designed to be.
The second screen effect: Is TV made for multitasking?
At the same time, how we watch TV has changed. The rise of the “second screen” phenomenon—where viewers scroll their phones, text, or browse social media while watching—has reshaped how shows are structured.
With attention divided, creators have adapted by designing content that grabs viewers in short bursts. Quick edits, high drama, and predictable storytelling keep audiences engaged, even when they’re only half paying attention. This has led to more content that’s easy to digest but often lacks depth or demands full immersion.
Television will evolve, as it always does. The real question is: will filmmakers cling to safe, familiar formulas, or will they dare to break the mold? Shows like Fleabag, The Bear, and Severance prove that audiences crave bold, unique storytelling.
The future of TV lies in the hands of creators willing to take risks, challenge the status quo, and create something that makes us stop scrolling and pay attention.
