For the past few months, I have indulged in the world of drama/suspense shows. If you check my Netflix history, you will see shows such as Gossip Girl, 90210, Once Upon a Time and One Tree Hill. What do all of these shows have in common? The willpower to suck in many minds and leave us with cliffhangers episode after episode. Why do we still watch these shows? They cause us to procrastinate assignments, keep us up at night (when we definitely have school/work in the morning) and leave us in a state of euphoria when we get to the shows finale.
My theory is that individuals sometimes need an escape from the many aspects of life. These shows capture various characters’ developments, the imminent plot twists and riveting settings. From my personal experience, I am a victim of being committed to these shows. In these drama/suspense shows, there is always a problem that evidently needs a solution. I’ve also noticed that many of these shows (i.e. Gossip Girl,90210,and One Tree Hill) appeal to teenagers and young adults. For starters, these three shows take place in high school and eventually college. The problems that the characters endure are what entice the audience. Several audience members can relate to the situations that the characters face in these shows. While other people use these shows as a diversion from their own problems. Eventually, these shows come up with a solution and then on to the next complication.
From problem to solution back to problem again these shows rarely lose their audience; which is why they stay on for multiple seasons. “Grey’s Anatomy” for instance, has always been the talk of the town. Since the show first debuted to now, viewers have been in awe with the characters personalities and the many plot twists. I have never heard of anyone that has stopped watching “Grey's Anatomy.” I feel that there is no such thing.
I spoke with Jenny Hynes, a dear friend of mine and college student, to hear why she and/or others engage in drama shows. She addressed that many individuals watch the shows mainly for the anticipation. She also believes that although the characters’ personalities may be different from the audience member's, they still feel a pull towards knowing what happens to the characters. Jenny also stated “As humans, we crave closure and resolution.”
Perhaps the writers know how to keep their audience intrigued; if that's it, then props to them. Maybe it’s that we just need something that we can connect with or relate to. Whatever it is these shows really have us hooked. I like drama and suspense shows because they are extremely amusing to me. For the next 45 minutes, I can just sit back, relax, put on Netflix and be amazed.
