Dive into the Golden Age of Television with Fox News

Popularity of Classic TV Shows

Even in the era of daily new shows popping up on streaming services, many viewers still hold a special place for classic series. According to streaming data from late October shared in The Hollywood Reporter, two of the top 10 shows streamed were "Lost" (which debuted 20 years ago in 2004) and "Grey's Anatomy" (originally began in 2005 and is currently in its 21st season). Rob Weiner, a pop culture librarian at Texas Tech University, explains that the reason for the success of these older shows is the sense of nostalgia for a more innocent time. "People are busy and the world has become complicated, so these shows offer a comforting escape," he said.

Another aspect is the quality. Many past television shows still hold up today. Series like "M*A*S*H," "The Andy Griffith Show," and Loony Tunes have a timeless appeal. As Dr. Marcus Collins, author of "For the Culture" and marketing professor at the University of Michigan, noted, "People want to identify with something innocent. Watching these shows is like teleporting back to a simpler time."

Volume of Material and Appeal

Lara Rosales, senior writer for Tell-Tale TV, highlights the volume of material available in older shows. "In the past, seasons lasted 22 to 24 episodes and were longer. Shows like 'Lost' and 'Grey's Anatomy' have 10 seasons or more, giving viewers a plethora of episodes to choose from. Even filler episodes, like holiday ones, help viewers get to know the characters better and connect with them," she said.

Today, streaming services often have shorter seasons with fewer episodes. This can be overwhelming for viewers. Rosales continues, "Nowadays, shows have less time to develop characters and storylines. Older series, on the other hand, offer a sense of comfort. You don't have to pay attention to every detail; you can just enjoy the show."

Social Media and Classic Shows

Classic shows are finding new life on social media platforms like YouTube and TikTok. Users watch entire episodes or clips in as little as one minute. Lara Rosales explains, "The magic of TikTok is that it catches your attention as you scroll. Themes from these shows continue to resonate with younger generations. The way TV was made and edited a few years ago was more about storytelling," she said.

Rob Weiner also notes the compartmentalization of media on apps like TikTok. "People can watch shows over a period of days or weeks and still get the content. It's ideal for today's short attention spans," he added.

Success of Older Shows and Their Impact

The renewed interest in older shows has benefited both streaming services and the actors. Take "Suits," for example. It aired from 2011-19 and starred Meghan Markle. When it was added to Netflix and Peacock, it saw a surge in popularity, reaching 45 billion streams combined. This led to a spinoff series, "Suits LA," set to premiere in February.

Lara Rosales believes in the old-school formula of making more episodes. "The longer the season, the more people can get into the story. Viewers are afraid shows will be canceled, so they wait to binge-watch. Giving shows a chance to grow is important," she said.

For the stars, a boost in relevancy is a personal benefit. As Rob Weiner mentioned, "Each star gets rediscovered. They can attend pop culture conventions and be recognized for their work. It's a fulfilling experience."

In conclusion, looking back at older series provides comfort and fresh options. As Weiner said, "We're living in the 'Golden Age of Television' with so many choices. These old shows offer a chance to see wonderful actors and actresses and relive a bygone era."