Network TV has been around for decades, providing a unique viewing experience that has its own set of benefits. With the rise of streaming services, many have shifted away from traditional television, but there’s still something special about tuning in to your favorite shows on a weekly basis. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why network TV should be loved again.
Firstly, the way you experience a show differs significantly when watching it on network TV compared to streaming. With streaming, you watch the entire season in one go, which can make it hard to separate and remember individual episodes. However, with network TV, you have to wait a week for the next episode, which changes your relationship with the show. This slower pace allows you to absorb each episode individually, making it easier to recall important details and plot twist.
Another benefit of network TV is its ability to have filler episodes, which are essential for building character development and providing more context to the main storyline. These episodes often focus on the characters’ personal lives, making it easier to connect with them on a deeper level. For instance, Abbott Elementary‘s Halloween-themed episode showcases the teachers’ humorous reactions to a student getting ringworm, giving viewers a more personal look into the characters’ lives.
Holiday episodes are also a unique aspect of network TV. Instead of rushing through the storyline to wrap up the season, episodic shows have the opportunity to create special holiday-themed episodes that add an extra layer of excitement and nostalgia. This year, ‘9-1-1’, ‘Abbott Elementary’, and ‘Doctor Odyssey’ have all released Halloween-themed episodes, making it a special treat for fans.
The characters grow alongside you on network TV, allowing you to develop a deeper connection with them. With fewer episodes per season and a slower pace, you get to know the characters’ strengths, weaknesses, and personal struggles, making their triumphs and failures more impactful. Lucy Chen from ‘The Rookie’ is a great example of this, as you’ve watched her grow and evolve over several seasons.
‘Abbott Elementary’ (Image via Getty)
The anticipation of what will happen next is another key aspect of network TV. With cliffhangers and plot twists, viewers are left on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the next episode. This level of suspense is hard to replicate with streaming, where you can binge-watch an entire season in one go.
Network TV also provides a more communal experience, where viewers can discuss and share their thoughts with others. Watching new episodes together creates a sense of camaraderie, and you can catch details and nuances that you might have missed on your own. The slow burn of a romantic pairing, the surprise of a plot twist, and the excitement of a cliffhanger are all heightened when watching with others.
Slow-burn ship romances are also a staple of network TV, allowing viewers to root for couples and cheer on their progress. Tim and Lucy from ‘The Rookie’ are a great example, as fans have been patiently waiting for them to get together.
Finally, network TV turns the act of watching TV into an experience. It makes the wait for the next episode worth it, creating an event around which to gather and socialize. The excitement of a new episode, the anxiety of a cliffhanger, and the satisfaction of a satisfying plot twist all combine to make watching network TV a truly communal and memorable experience.
Network TV offers a unique set of benefits that make it a worth-while experience for viewers. From slower pacing, filler episodes, holiday-themed episodes, character growth, anticipation, and a communal experience, there’s something special about tuning in to your favorite shows on a weekly basis. So, if you haven’t already, give network TV a try and experience the magic for yourself.
