You would think by the tone of what was said by FX CEO John Landgraf, the end of scripted TV is near. However, on the same day he announced a new season of “Fargo,” a brand new series from Alex Garland,” and a new epic Asian period drama, the FX executive warned that there’s just too much narrative on television. Confusing? Yes, but allow him to explain.
“The golden age of television has become the gilded age of television,” the FX CEO said at a recent TCA event (via Variety.)
Landgraf is, of course, referencing the saying that we are currently experiencing the greatest days of TV, with so much quality content available, but he warns that maybe the quality is barely skin deep. You see, with 319 scripted shows released in the first seven months of 2018 (which is a 5% increase from last year), we could be entering the point where there’s just too much.
“Profusion of stories is very good if you want to talk about innovation and diversity,” he continued. He warns that this “profusion of stories” might lead to some unexpected consequences. Landgraf explains, “It’s very hard if you’re talking about trying to surprise the audience and delight the audience.” Everything “feels vaguely familiar” to an audience inundated with options.
“I once said to this group I thought there was too much television,” he said. “In some ways I think there’s too much story. Too much narrative.”
And with that, the executive announced a slate of new series, including the period drama “Shōgun.” The 10-episode limited series is based on the best-selling novel by author James Clavell. “Shōgun” tells the story of two ambitious men from different worlds and a mysterious female samurai: John Blackthorne, a risk-taking English sailor who ends up shipwrecked in Japan, a land whose unfamiliar culture will ultimately redefine him; Lord Toranaga, a shrewd, powerful daimyo, at odds with his own dangerous, political rivals; and Lady Mariko, a woman with invaluable skills but dishonorable family ties, who must prove her value and allegiance. The novel was previously adapted in 1980 as a miniseries.
However, if you’re immediate thought is “oh great, another Asian-set series produced by a bunch of white guys,” then Landgraf has you covered. “If you just sort of exoticized or fetishized Japanese culture through the Western male gaze, it probably wouldn’t fly,” he said, as he promises “Shōgun” will do none of that.
But as FX continues to expand its offerings, Landgraf doesn’t see the network as being part of the “profusion” problem. In fact, he points out that networks like FX can grow but still not dilute the quality of shows. That being said, not all the TV makers out there are doing the same. Case in point, Netflix.
“You can’t get infinitely bigger without diffusing the brand. I admire much of the programming that Netflix makes. But I will also say that their business model is to mean all things to all people.” He cautioned, “I don’t see that as our role.”