Timeline of Significant Events in Television
2000-2004:
In the early 2000s, television sought to capitalize on the zeitgeist of superhuman emergence. The traditional studios like NBC, CBS, and ABC in the United States, and international media houses like BBC and Fuji TV, found themselves grappling with a new narrative landscape. In a world where superhuman abilities were no longer the domain of comic book lore, reality TV became the ideal medium to introduce this uncanny reality to the public. Documentary-style series emerged, such as “Real Heroes: A Day with the NSRA,” which offered behind-the-scenes looks at the National Superhuman Response Agency. These shows were instrumental in humanizing the agencies and the superhumans, at a time when the legislative framework around them was still embryonic. Concurrently, procedural dramas evolved. “Law & Order: Superhuman,” a spin-off of the well-known “Law & Order” series, developed in collaboration between NBC Universal and Olympus Studios, offered episodic storytelling that involved superhuman legal quandaries, typically ripped from the headlines.
The early 2000s marked a distinct aesthetic shift in television. The public’s fascination with superhumans prompted producers to delve into the potential for cutting-edge special effects, requiring advances in CGI technology and practical effects. As a result, the era saw an investment in visual effects that would previously have been deemed too expensive for the small screen. Japan’s Fuji TV, for instance, aired “HeroWatch,” a reality TV show that used CGI to recreate scenes of superhuman feats in meticulous detail. The show was co-produced with Toei Company, a veteran in special effects owing to its Tokusatsu series. Despite lacking ratings during initial airings, box sets of these seminal series found a lucrative market, ensuring that they would be critiqued and studied for years to come.
2005-2008:
The years 2005 to 2008 were the zenith of superhuman reality TV. ABC’s “The Next American Hero” and NBC’s “SuperHuman Race” were high-profile examples of reality competition shows that explored the trials and tribulations of superhumans. Overseas, British network Channel 4 dabbled in a Big Brother-esque show, “The House of Heroes,” featuring superhumans cohabitating under 24/7 surveillance. These shows were the brainchild of studios such as Warner Bros. Television and up-and-comer Enigma Entertainment. Public interest was further buoyed by real-world events where superhumans had become increasingly active in disaster relief. However, by 2008, the genre had reached a point of saturation. Reality TV was accused of trivializing the challenges that came with superhuman abilities, leading to a decline in viewership ratings.
Procedural dramas responded to this shift by moving away from spectacle and focusing on intricacies. CBS’s “Superhuman CSI” initiated storylines involving the unique challenges that superhuman crime scenes posed. In Asia, K-dramas like “Justice: Seoul” grappled with themes of morality and responsibility in the context of superhuman abilities. These storylines provided a cathartic outlet for a society grappling with the ethical dimensions of superhuman existence, reflected in significant court rulings and debates around legislation like the failed Superhuman Registration Act of 2008. Technologically, High Definition Television (HDTV) was becoming the norm, and these shows were among the first to take full advantage of this enhanced visual quality.
2009-2012:
In response to the dwindling popularity of reality TV shows centered around superhumans, the industry made a pronounced turn towards the serialized dramas and comedies that focused on the lives of ordinary citizens. The trend saw alliances between traditional media giants like 21st Century Fox and emerging studios such as Phoenix Entertainment. Series like Fox’s “Normal Lives” provided viewers with nuanced stories of ordinary people living in a world populated by superhumans. These shows would often integrate superhumans in a peripheral, yet poignant, manner—perhaps through a superhuman neighbor or a superhuman coworker. The narrative spotlight was thus on the socio-cultural imprints superhumans were leaving on everyday life.
During this period, aesthetic trends in TV gravitated towards a realism that was tinged with elements of magical realism. This style was particularly evident in the HBO series “Our Better Angels”. On the technological front, while internet streaming remained underdeveloped, the period saw the introduction of “smart” televisions with integrated internet capabilities. These smart TVs often offered disk rental services through encrypted channels, allowing people to watch their favorite series like without needing to leave their couches, delivered in the mail within 1-2 weeks.
2013-2016:
The era from 2013 to 2016 further developed the style and themes introduced in the previous years. Serialized storytelling remained the dominant narrative form, but now also started incorporating political dramas that reflected the growing tension between superhumans and the government. Shows like “Capitol Powers,” produced by Sony Pictures Television in conjunction with Nova Media, played out intense dramas in the hallowed halls of government, providing a window into the debates and moral quandaries involving superhumans. Another significant offering was ABC’s “Balance of Power,” which dramatized the ongoing public sentiment and legislative action around the License to Utilize Metahuman Abilities laws (LUMA) enacted in 2012.
Aesthetically, the focus continued to be on realistic storytelling, with a rise in the employment of hand-held camera work and natural lighting to give a documentary feel to fictional narratives. This was particularly true for political dramas, which sought to immerse viewers in a world that felt as authentic as possible. Technology during this period remained somewhat static in terms of delivery mechanisms, with cable television still holding sway. However, there was a notable uptick in the employment of Dolby and other advanced audio systems for home viewing, with prices rocketing downwards for the everyday consumer, enhancing the immersive experience for viewers.
2017-2020:
In these years, marked by a global pandemic and a politically charged atmosphere, the themes prevalent on television shifted dramatically. With people confined to their homes more than ever before, the demand for cable TV content surged. Shows like “Pandemic Heroes,” “Crisis Point,” and “Last Defender,” available through various cable networks, delved into the role of superhumans in a world undergoing rapid and unpredictable changes. Aesthetic shifts toward darker tones and themes of dystopian futures reflected the general mood of society.
This period also saw a willingness from networks to invest in experimental storytelling. Anthology series like “Altered Egos” and “HyperNormal” offered high-concept, visually stunning, one-off stories that were both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. In terms of technology, 4K UHD became the standard for broadcast television, and experimental formats like virtual reality and 360-degree video began to find their way into cable offerings, albeit without much success.
2021-2023:
In the most recent years, the TV landscape has shifted towards themes of optimism and a focus on community. Shows like “Heroic Hearts” and “A New Dawn,” aired on ABC and BBC respectively, explore themes of unity and societal healing. These productions often employ advanced CGI, finally making a resurgence in production companies, to create virtual worlds that are nearly indistinguishable from reality.
Interactivity has also taken a leap forward in television viewing. Some shows now offer viewers the ability to engage with interactive decision trees via their remote controls or companion websites, allowing them to determine the outcomes of high-stakes battles or ethical dilemmas. This innovation has started to blur the lines between television and video games, giving rise to a new genre of interactive storytelling.
General Status Quo as of 2023
Decentralization of Broadcasting:
Reflecting the decentralization of the internet, the broadcasting of live-action TV shows has also become decentralized. Traditional broadcast and cable networks continue to play a role, but a significant portion of content distribution occurs through digital platforms, leveraging peer-to-peer technologies and independent hosting services.
Diverse Content:
With the influence of superhumans fading in the media, television programming has diversified. While some shows continue to explore the complexities of superhuman existence, many others have returned to more grounded themes, ranging from traditional genres like crime, drama, comedy, and romance to experimental and hybrid genres.
Technology Integration:
New and developing technologies, particularly drones, have become deeply integrated into live-action TV production. Drones are commonly used for filming, offering unique perspectives and reducing production costs.
Global Collaboration:
The pandemic has forced the industry to adapt to remote collaboration. International co-productions have become common, combining talents from different parts of the world.
Viewer Engagement:
Direct viewer engagement has become a significant part of live-action TV. The decentralized nature of the internet has made it easier for showrunners and cast members to interact with their audiences, taking feedback, hosting virtual meet-ups, and even crowdfunding certain projects. Some shows have leveraged this to experiment with interactive narratives where viewers can influence the direction of the plot.
Televised eSports:
The rise of eSports has been reflected in TV as well, with networks dedicating time slots for eSports tournaments and shows focusing on the gaming community. The much-vaunted (but shrouded in secrecy)”Perfect Latency” technology of the Xbox Quattro has been particularly instrumental in making these broadcasts smooth and enjoyable for viewers.
Serialized Storytelling:
With the influence of Echo North and similar companies on the entertainment landscape, serialized storytelling has become prominent in live-action TV. Shows often focus on long-term character development and intricate plotlines that span entire seasons, as opposed to episodic formats.
Some notable shows throughout the new millennium include:
- “Real Heroes: A Day with the NSRA” (2001-2004): Follows the daily operations of the National Superhuman Response Agency. A documentary-style series providing a behind-the-scenes look.
- “Superhuman Law & Order” (2001-2004): Centers on lawyers and judges who navigate legal cases involving superhumans. A procedural drama with a twist.
- “HeroWatch” (2002-2004): Showcases the most jaw-dropping superhuman feats recreated with CGI. A Japanese reality TV show.
- “Gravity’s Pull” (2006-2010): Chronicles a team of astronauts stranded in deep space after an experiment. A sci-fi drama with serialized storytelling.
- “The Next American Hero” (2005-2008): Aspiring superhumans compete for the title of America’s next great hero. A reality competition show.
- “SuperHuman Race” (2006-2008): Superhumans compete in challenges around the world. A reality game show.
- “The House of Heroes” (2006-2008): Superhumans live together under constant surveillance. A UK-based reality TV show similar to Big Brother.
- “Urban Jungle” (2008-2014): Follows a detective agency in a city inhabited by both humans and mythical creatures. An urban fantasy series with noir elements.
- “Superhuman CSI” (2007-2008): Crime scene investigators tackle superhuman-related crimes. A procedural drama.
- “Justice: Seoul” (2008): Focuses on a superhuman lawyer navigating morality in South Korea. A K-drama series.
- “Normal Lives” (2009-2012): Portrays the lives of ordinary citizens in a world full of superhumans. A drama series.
- “Our Better Angels” (2010-2012): Explores the quiet heroism of ordinary people in a world with superhumans. A heartfelt drama.
- “Glitch” (2011-2017): Centers on superhuman hackers navigating a decentralized internet. A high-tech thriller series.
- “Capitol Powers” (2013-2016): Politicians and superhumans interact in the high-stakes world of government. A political drama.
- “Balance of Power” (2014-2016): Focuses on the legislative process of regulating superhuman activities. A political drama series.
- “Shadows of Echo” (2013-2019): Explores the personal lives of superhumans in a weary world. A superhero drama with mature themes.
- “Pandemic Heroes” (2017-2020): Superhumans assist in the fight against a global pandemic. A timely drama series.
- “Crisis Point” (2018-2020): Superhumans are deployed to tackle global crises. A drama series.
- “The Lightkeepers” (2016-2022): Follows a family in a coastal town with a storied lighthouse. A family drama series.
- “The Great Game” (2018-present): Revolves around a group of gamers in the professional eSports circuit. An ensemble drama.
- “Last Defender” (2019-2020): The last superhuman stands as society’s last line of defense. A dystopian drama.
- “Altered Egos” (2019-2020): Explores different facets of superhuman life in each episode. An anthology series.
- “HyperNormal” (2020): Delves into the everyday lives of superhumans. An anthology drama series.
- “Heroic Hearts” (2021-2023): Focuses on unity and healing in a world of superhumans. A drama series.
- “A New Dawn” (2022-2023): Follows the efforts to rebuild society after a superhuman-induced crisis. A UK drama series.
- “Tomorrow’s Doctors” (2020-present): Centers on superhuman healthcare professionals during a pandemic. A medical drama series.
- “Dusk ’til Dawn” (2021-present): Follows a night-shift detective in a bustling city. A neo-noir crime drama.
Chum 