TV isn’t what it used to be anymore. There used to be a time when people would switch on the TV to simply catch up with the outside world, or maybe watch a little bit of David Hasselhoff in "Knight Rider" before going to bed. However, those days are gone. Today, the TV industry boasts massive networks like AMC, HBO, CBS, Netflix, and ABC which are producing multimillion dollar shows like "The Walking Dead," "The Big Bang Theory," "Game of Thrones" and many more. Today, Television is not just limited to a TV. It’s everywhere. Whether we are using our iPhones or the computer in the school library, we can always have access to television.
The TV industry began to change for good during the early 2000s. By 2009, the networks only produced digital signals. High Definition was now the norm, and there was a new player in the television industry: the Internet. As high-speed internet, video streaming enters the scene, TV isn’t limited in a particular box anymore, it is online. Today, TV isn’t about just providing dinnertime entertainment. It is continuously pushing the boundaries and making award-winning shows everywhere. Acting in TV is now joyous to watch with actors like Jim Parsons, Kevin Spacey and John Hamm all making seven figures by providing outstanding acting on the small screen. Shows like "Breaking Bad" and "Game of Thrones" continue to provoke the minds of the viewers as TV shows are now becoming increasingly expensive (pilot episode of "Boardwalk Empire" -- $18 million; "Game of Thrones" second season -- $70 million).
TV is being considered as a serious art form again because of the impeccable acting, great stories, superior direction, and just better shows in general. More people are watching TV now, which means more growth and more revenue. A 30 sec ad in "American Idol" slot can cost about $700,000.
TV’s future has always been widely discussed, and its ability to remain significant is frequently up for debate. With newer technologies like online streaming, monthly subscriptions, pay-as-you-go systems, many argue that television will cease to exist. In reality, this isn’t about TV networks or prime time shows, this is about opportunity. Not everybody has the resources to make it to the big screen or the fortune involved in landing a show in one of the major networks. No matter how good your acting is, or how strong the script is, one may not see their dreams come true simply because they lacked the opportunity. Today, more networks are fighting for the biggest adverts, the highest ratings, and the best shows. This means more youngsters will be able to showcase their talents on the big platform, whether it’s acting, writing, directing or just camera work. While major networks like CBS or NBC may not pick up a good story, Netlflix, HBO or Hulu may very well pick it up.
TV isn’t dead; it’s more alive than ever and it’s providing us with some of the best entertainment we have ever seen.
