As soon as upon a time, TV storytelling was a one-way avenue.
Writers wrote, networks aired, and followers watched. That’s it.
However social media got here alongside and flipped the script, turning tv into an interactive expertise the place followers have an actual say in what occurs on their favourite exhibits.
Whether or not it’s saving a canceled sequence, influencing character arcs, or fully shifting the path of a narrative, social media has made TV extra of a collaboration than ever earlier than.
However is that all the time a great factor? Let’s dig in.
Followers Resurrecting Reveals Earlier than It Was Cool
Earlier than social media, getting a present again from the lifeless took some critical effort. Take Jericho, for instance.
Canceled in 2007, its followers launched an enormous marketing campaign, sending CBS 20 tons of peanuts (a reference to a line within the present). The stunt labored, and the community greenlit a shortened second season.
Quick-forward to 2018, and Timeless followers pulled off an analogous miracle — twice! NBC canceled the present, and followers revolted on-line, and the community reversed its resolution.
Then it occurred once more. Whereas the present finally ended with a TV film, it proved that an lively, vocal fandom may affect community choices in actual time.
When Fan Reactions Steer the Ship
Generally, it’s not nearly saving a present however shaping the story.
Monica and Chandler’s romance on Mates was speculated to be a one-night stand, however the stay viewers’s response was so overwhelmingly constructive that the writers needed to rethink their plans. The consequence? Probably the most beloved TV {couples} of all time.
Over on South Park, followers had been drawing Tweek and Craig as a pair lengthy earlier than the present hinted at it.
Creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone noticed the fan artwork and determined to lean into it, turning Tweek and Craig’s relationship right into a candy, totally realized romance — a uncommon instance of fandom actually writing canon.
In the meantime, Stranger Issues picked up on the #JusticeForBarb marketing campaign after Season 1. Followers have been outraged that Nancy and Steve barely acknowledged Barb’s demise, and lo and behold Season 2 included a subplot addressing the results of her disappearance.
Whether or not it was all the time deliberate or a direct response to the uproar, the Duffer Brothers clearly paid consideration.
Then there’s Westworld, which allegedly modified main storylines as a result of Reddit customers have been precisely predicting plot twists forward of time. Even Recreation of Thrones creator George R.R. Martin has acknowledged that whenever you go away clues, you’ll be able to’t be shocked when followers join the dots.
Followers stay for these moments, and writers must be honored that they care sufficient to conduct such in-depth analyses of their exhibits.
However ought to writers change course simply because folks determine issues out? That’s a complete different debate.
When Fan Affect Goes Too Far
Not each occasion of fan involvement results in a cheerful ending.
Take Arrow, for instance. Many followers imagine the rising Felicity/Oliver romance occurred as a result of a vocal section of the fandom pushed for it, finally hijacking the present’s meant trajectory.
Whereas some beloved “Olicity,” others felt it fully modified the tone of the sequence (myself included).
And what about Supernatural? Followers have lengthy debated whether or not Jo Harvelle’s demise was resulting from younger feminine viewers not wanting a romantic associate for Dean.
The present by no means confirmed it, but when true, it’s a wild instance of how robust fan preferences can form a narrative — even when it means killing off a personality who didn’t get a good shot.
Then there’s Legal Minds, which wrote off JJ and Emily Prentiss for the spinoff Legal Minds: Suspect Conduct. Followers have been livid.
They boycotted the spinoff, demanded their favourite characters return, and threatened to cease watching the principle present in the event that they didn’t. The backlash was so robust that each characters have been finally introduced again, and the ill-fated spinoff disappeared into TV historical past. We forgot it even existed; did you, too?
The Execs and Cons of Fan-Powered Storytelling
So, is that this new period of interactive TV storytelling a great factor? Nicely, sure and no.
The upside is that followers really feel extra engaged than ever. They know that showrunners, actors, and networks are listening to them.
Social media has additionally helped enhance illustration and storytelling, holding creators accountable once they lean into problematic tropes (like The 100‘s notorious “Bury Your Gays” backlash after Lexa’s demise). When finished proper, viewers suggestions can push TV in a greater path.
The draw back is that not each story is supposed to be a democracy. Generally, catering to followers can disrupt a present’s pure stream, forcing creators to alter path for the sake of appeasement.
Reveals can lose their authentic voice, pacing can undergo, and massive narrative dangers may be averted simply to maintain Twitter blissful. In the end, that doesn’t appear good for anybody.
The Backside Line
Social media has modified how we expertise TV, turning followers from spectators into lively individuals.
It’s led to unbelievable moments of redemption, like bringing again beloved characters and forcing writers to rethink outdated tropes. Nevertheless it’s additionally led to some storytelling missteps, the place creators bend an excessive amount of to fan strain.
On the finish of the day, TV is at its finest when there’s a steadiness — when creators inform the tales they need to inform whereas nonetheless partaking with the viewers in significant methods. As a result of, let’s be sincere, generally the followers know finest, however different instances, they actually, actually don’t.
However what do you assume? Ought to fan reactions and theories change TV storytelling? Vote in our ballot and share your ideas under.