FX’s John Landgraf Raises Concerns Over Long-Running TV Shows in the Age of Short Attention Spans
In a thought-provoking statement, FX’s John Landgraf expressed his concerns about the viability of long-running television shows in today’s fast-paced and attention-deficient era. During his annual executive session at the Television Critics Association winter press tour, Landgraf highlighted the decline in attention spans and patience for demanding content, which he believes poses a significant challenge to the media ecosystem created by the internet.
Landgraf’s remarks followed his annual update on the number of scripted series on television, revealing a decline in the era of Peak TV. The total number of scripted shows decreased by 14% between 2022 and 2023, dropping from 600 to 516. This decline can be attributed to the escalating costs associated with producing television shows, particularly in their first season.
“We’ve radically increased the cost of making television in season one,” Landgraf explained. “We brought a lot of wonderful talent into television, but there’s been a spiraling and escalating cost. That’s part of what happens when we make 600 television shows.”
To illustrate his point, Landgraf referred to FX series like “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” and “The Shield,” which started with more modest budgets but were able to secure renewals despite initially lackluster ratings. These shows proved that lower-cost productions could find success and longevity. For instance, “The Shield” ran for seven seasons and nearly 100 episodes, while “Always Sunny” aired its impressive 16th season in 2023.
Landgraf also provided updates on upcoming projects from renowned producer Ryan Murphy. He mentioned “American Love Story” and future seasons of “American Crime Story,” acknowledging that Murphy has his unique way of communicating his plans. However, Landgraf assured fans that Murphy is working on several exciting new projects for FX.
Furthermore, Landgraf revealed that the highly anticipated “Alien” series, helmed by Noah Hawley of “Fargo” fame, is currently being filmed in Thailand and is set to launch in 2025. He also touched on the potential impact of the “Alien” series on future seasons of “Fargo.”
“[‘Alien’] is designed to be an ongoing series,” Landgraf shared. “Then as far as ‘Fargo,’ it’s a matter of timing because I’m hoping Noah’s going to be working on ‘Alien’ and subsequent seasons of ‘Alien’ and really trying to turn that around fast.”
Landgraf’s concerns about the sustainability of long-running TV shows in an era of declining attention spans and rising production costs raise important questions about the future of the medium. As viewers’ preferences continue to evolve, networks and creators must adapt to ensure that their content remains engaging and relevant. Only time will tell how the industry navigates these challenges and whether long-running shows can continue to capture audiences’ attention in this ever-changing landscape.