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There have always been trends on TV. But the anthology series has come back into the spotlight recently which is strange. People are loving something that used to be thought of as a throwback.
It is making a comeback because of how people watch Netflix on TV now. People don’t want to feel like they have to watch ten seasons of complicated tales or spend hours bingeing simply to catch up. They want stories that are quick and easy to get into. Every episode or season seems like a new beginning that gives you choices without losing depth.
Not only is nostalgia behind this resurgence. Anthologies are about how people live today. The anthology format has managed to feel both old and new at the same time which is why it is doing so well again.
An Overview of the Anthology Format’s History
Anthology television is not a novel concept. With their standalone plots, television shows such as The Twilight Zone and Alfred Hitchcock Presents enthralled viewers. There was something new every week: new stories and new characters. These programs went on to become legendary that influence generations of storytellers and demonstrating that television could be just as creative as film.
But as the decades went by, viewers shifted to serialized series that promoted sustained interest in plots and characters. Anthologies merely became specialized and they didn’t completely vanish. Nevertheless, the DNA of those iconic series persisted.
Why Now?
Then why are anthology series making a comeback? There are several important factors at work:
- The Revolution of Streaming
Streaming platforms have completely transformed the way individuals consume entertainment. Regular serialized dramas lack the freedom that anthology series offer as viewers are accustomed to binge-watching content at their own pace. This change has been especially noticeable in New Zealand which has one of the highest rates of streaming platform usage in the world, according to organizations like NZ On Air.
Most New Zealanders dedicate more viewing time to TVNZ+ and international video platforms than traditional television broadcasting. The move to on-demand entertainment instead of fixed programming schedules shows how New Zealanders value their personal freedom and flexible work-life arrangements.
Interestingly, this outlook is one of the factors driving the growing popularity of online pokies in New Zealand. They offer the same sort of basic entertainment that fits easily into a flexible schedule. It is accessible during breaks and is entertaining without requiring any complicated setup.
- Storytellers’ Creative Freedom
Anthologies allow directors and authors to try new things. Producers can experiment with new worlds and themes rather than being restricted by a single storyline or a set cast for years with every episode or season. This draws prominent actors who may be hesitant about lengthy commitments but are thrilled about the opportunity to convey a brief and powerful story.
For instance, Ryan Murphy and his crew can experiment with various settings and ideas by reimagining American Horror Story every season all while maintaining the same ensemble cast.
The Ideal Match for Contemporary Attention Spans
Attention span is another important consideration. Not everyone has the time or energy to devote to an 80-episode series. Viewers can come and go from anthologies without missing the story. Staying up to date doesn’t need you to revisit earlier episodes or commit intricate plot points to memory.
For those with busy schedules who nevertheless like great stories, anthologies provide the perfect balance.
If the present pattern is a guide, anthologies will continue to exist. Streaming firms are making significant investments in it because the format is so well-suited to the way people currently watch TV. They may anticipate even more genre and stylistic experimentation as well as more ambitious undertakings.
Additionally, there is space for innovation. Hybrid anthologies in which episodes are connected by recurring themes or subtle links are gaining popularity.