You learned it all in Middle School. Plot. Theme. Characters. Personification. All of the literary elements. What is their importance? They pull the story together, whether it’s a book, magazine article, newspaper column, comic book strip, a movie, or an episode of television. These things may give the story structure, but there’s a very important literary element that your teacher may have never touched on: Interest. Your story needs to be interesting or, to be blunt, it sucks. Therefore, if you release content that isn’t interesting, that doesn’t possess originality, that doesn’t ensure the consumer why they’re consuming, you don’t know what you’re doing. This is a list of why television is dead.

1. The Set Is Always The Same

The rule is specific for sitcoms.

It’s either a house or an apartment. The house has a kitchen with an outside door on the right, and a door to the living room on the left. Occasionally, there are stairs going upstairs in the back. A circular kitchen table and a counter right in front of the camera are also common. The living room has the front door on the left, couch in the middle

If it’s an apartment, it’s probably in New York City or Los Angeles, and it’s way more luxurious than the characters should be able to afford.

2. The Characters Are Always The Same

If it’s a sitcom, the central character is probably a guy who is a helpless romantic. He has a group of friends who drink and are obsessed with sex. At least one of these characters is probably dumb beyond belief.

For other genres, the conventions are clear. A strict boss or a socially awkward genius are common.

3. Many Sitcoms Have Very Similar episodes

That ‘70s Show, Friends, and many other sitcoms included the failed "Cristella," have all included a “Battle of the Sexes” episode theme.

4. The Jokes Suck

Set up. Punchline. Set up. Punchline. It’s become so phony. We’re sick of it.

5. Everything Is Just Straight Crap

Number 5 essentially sums everything up. Every new show is essentially the same thing unless it’s written by Tina Fey. Characters are the same. They're solely unoriginal. Nothing is likable.