The Platinum Age of Television: A Comprehensive Guide to the Golden Era of TV

The Platinum Age of Television: From I Love Lucy to The Walking Dead, How TV Became Terrific

by David Bianculli

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	73364 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	553 pages

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: The Rise of the Platinum Age

The Platinum Age of Television is a term coined to describe a period of unparalleled creativity and innovation in the television industry. Beginning in the late 1990s and continuing into the present day, this era has witnessed the emergence of complex and groundbreaking television shows that have redefined the medium.

Unlike previous eras of television, the Platinum Age is characterized by a greater emphasis on auteur-driven storytelling, serialized narratives, and a willingness to tackle challenging and controversial topics. This has led to the creation of a vast array of critically acclaimed shows that have captured the attention and imagination of viewers around the world.

Defining Characteristics of the Platinum Age

• Auteur-driven storytelling: Shows are increasingly created and overseen by a single creative visionary, known as the showrunner. This allows for a consistent and cohesive vision across multiple seasons.
• Serialized narratives: Shows often employ ongoing storylines that unfold over multiple episodes or even seasons. This allows for a deeper exploration of characters and themes.
• Challenging and controversial topics: Platinum Age shows are not afraid to tackle complex and controversial issues, such as mental illness, addiction, and political corruption.
• High production values: With advances in technology and funding, Platinum Age shows often boast cinematic production values, including elaborate sets, stunning cinematography, and sophisticated post-production effects.
• Increased diversity and representation: Platinum Age shows have made significant strides in terms of diversity and representation, both in front of and behind the camera.

Influential Shows of the Platinum Age

The Platinum Age has produced a vast array of critically acclaimed and influential television shows. Here are a few notable examples:

• The Sopranos: Widely regarded as one of the greatest television shows of all time, The Sopranos revolutionized the portrayal of organized crime and paved the way for antihero-driven dramas.
• Breaking Bad: A groundbreaking drama that follows the transformation of a high school chemistry teacher into a ruthless drug lord. Breaking Bad is praised for its complex characters, suspenseful plotlines, and stunning cinematography.
• Game of Thrones: A sprawling fantasy epic based on the novels of George R.R. Martin. Game of Thrones became a global phenomenon and set new standards for production scale and storytelling ambition.
• The Wire: A critically acclaimed crime drama that explores the moral complexities of the drug war and the interconnectedness of various institutions in society.
• Mad Men: A period drama that follows the lives of advertising executives in New York City in the 1960s. Mad Men is praised for its stylish visuals, complex characters, and incisive social commentary.

The Impact of the Platinum Age

The Platinum Age of Television has had a profound impact on the industry and on society as a whole. Here are some of its most significant effects:

• Increased prestige and recognition: Television shows are now widely recognized as a legitimate form of artistic expression, and their creators are celebrated as auteurs.
• Streaming revolution: The rise of streaming services has made Platinum Age shows more accessible than ever before, leading to a surge in viewership and popularity.
• Binge-watching: The ability to stream entire seasons of shows at once has led to the phenomenon of binge-watching, which has further increased the popularity of Platinum Age shows.
• Peak TV: The Platinum Age has led to a proliferation of high-quality television shows, resulting in a state of "Peak TV" where viewers are overwhelmed with choice.
• Cultural impact: Platinum Age shows have had a profound impact on popular culture, inspiring countless memes, fan theories, and cultural touchstones.

: The Legacy of the Platinum Age

The Platinum Age of Television has been a transformative era for the medium, producing a vast array of critically acclaimed and influential shows. Its emphasis on auteur-driven storytelling, serialized narratives, and challenging topics has redefined what is possible in television. While the Platinum Age may eventually come to an end, its legacy will continue to shape the industry and captivate audiences for years to come.

If you're a fan of great television, then you need to check out the Platinum Age. With its groundbreaking shows, stunning visuals, and thought-provoking storylines, the Platinum Age is sure to entertain and engage you like never before.