Fantasy tv is dying. Here's why.

Summary

The video script discusses the decline of high-budget fantasy TV shows, attributing it to the unrealistic expectations set by Game of Thrones' success. It reviews four major contenders attempting to fill the void left by Game of Thrones: Wheel of Time, The Witcher, Rings of Power, and House of the Dragon. Despite their efforts, none have achieved the same level of acclaim. The script suggests that the era of expensive fantasy TV is fading due to streaming services prioritizing profitability over quality, leading to a shift towards cheaper content production.

Takeaways

• 📺 The script discusses the decline of high-budget fantasy TV shows and the challenges faced by the industry.
• 🔍 It highlights how streaming services are shifting their focus from expensive fantasy productions to more cost-effective content like reality TV.
• 🎭 The script mentions four key contenders that were expected to be the next 'Game of Thrones': 'Wheel of Time', 'The Witcher', 'Rings of Power', and 'House of the Dragon'.
• 📉 'Wheel of Time' had a mixed reception and was criticized for its pacing and budget issues.
• 🚫 'The Witcher' faced fan backlash over adaptation choices and saw its lead actor, Henry Cavill, exit the series.
• 📈 'Rings of Power' had a high production cost but failed to capture a large audience or maintain viewer interest across seasons.
• 🐉 'House of the Dragon' suffered from budget cuts and creative differences, leading to an unfinished feeling in its second season.
• 💸 The script points out that streaming services are no longer profitable and are cutting costs, which impacts the production quality of fantasy shows.
• 📚 It suggests that the era of TV shows based on fantasy novels might be ending, as the business model returns to normal and fantasy is not as welcome.
• 🎨 The narrator expresses a personal love for the fantasy genre and suggests that animation might be a cost-effective way to adapt fantasy novels for the screen.
• 📸 The script ends with a personal note from the narrator about their interest in photography and a promotion for Skillshare.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video script?

The main topic of the video script is the decline of high-budget fantasy TV shows and the challenges faced by the industry in replicating the success of 'Game of Thrones'.

What does the speaker attribute the decline of fantasy TV shows to?

The speaker attributes the decline to high production costs, streaming service models that are not profitable, and a shift in focus towards cheaper to produce content like reality TV.

Which four fantasy TV shows does the speaker discuss in the script?

The speaker discusses 'The Wheel of Time', 'The Witcher', 'Rings of Power', and 'House of the Dragon'.

Why does the speaker believe 'Game of Thrones' was so successful?

The speaker suggests 'Game of Thrones' was successful because it was different and fresh at the time, and it benefited from a unique moment in television history.

What is the 'reality check era' mentioned in the script?

The 'reality check era' refers to the current state of the streaming industry where streamers are raising prices, increasing ads, and focusing on cheaper content production, leading to a decline in high-budget fantasy TV shows.

What was the budget for the first season of 'Game of Thrones'?

The budget for the first season of 'Game of Thrones' was about 6 million per episode.

How does the speaker describe the adaptation of 'The Wheel of Time'?

The speaker describes 'The Wheel of Time' as feeling rushed, looking like a CW show, and having a generally good capture of the book's feel despite some mistakes.

What issue does the speaker have with 'Rings of Power'?

The speaker criticizes 'Rings of Power' for its lackluster reception, huge lore changes, and a storytelling style that leaves both die-hard fans and casual viewers unsatisfied.

Why did the second season of 'House of the Dragon' face criticism?

The second season of 'House of the Dragon' faced criticism due to its slow pace, repetitive scenes, plot conveniences, and a lack of forward momentum, making it feel like filler.

What does the speaker suggest as a potential solution for the high costs of fantasy TV production?

The speaker suggests that animation could be a potential solution for making fantasy TV shows cheaper to produce.

What hobby does the speaker mention they have been exploring?

The speaker mentions they have been exploring photography as a new hobby.