Movies have been the most important source in entertainment, showcasing the greatest stories, performances, and state of the art technology. It wasn’t until the early 2000’s where television has emerged as a power in the entertainment circuit. Back in the day, actors who have acted in movies and then moved to television, would be looked upon as “taking a step back”. Now, more and more actors and actresses jump at the opportunity for showcasing their talents on the smaller screen, generating a huge success in the television business.

Now, I am not saying that movies are on a decline. Movies are booming just as much as television, yet there are key elements that a television show has over a movie, creating more and more arguments of which screen has the better acting, directing, stories, etc.

For me, the transition began when the show 24 came on, which started in 2001. Television was never something I would consistently watch, besides the occasion sitcoms (FRIENDS) and sporting events. But my friend had told me there was an incredible show called 24, and I needed to watch it.

I gave in, and watched the first episode on the internet. My mind was blown. From start to finish, I was on the edge of my seat, already excited for the next episode.

As I watched 24, I began becoming attached to Kiefer Sutherland’s character, Jack Bauer. The whole world was against him, and we as the audience were the only ones who knew he was right.

Now I know what you’re thinking. There are countless characters in movies who have that same characteristic, the helpless hero fighting off the demons the world brings by himself.

But here is the significant difference. In 24, the director had 24 episodes (an hour each) to develop the character of Jack Bauer. He was able to show us season after season of slowly getting deeper of who Jack was. It was like peeling an onion, disposing layer after layer until we found the core of who Jack was.

When you look at movies, the director has roughly an hour and a half, two hours where he has the beginning, the middle and an end, also trying to convey his message, and develop the main characters. For years, that has been enough for audiences around the globe, because we weren’t used to these deep characters we see in television.

With the television shift, we now have stories we would never have imagined on the small screen. Each year leaves us with cliffhangers, leaving us salivating for more. They leave us with unanswered questions. TV directors have the ability to take risks, changing their direction year by year, having us be a part of the story.

Sons Of Anarchy happens to be the new TV obsession of mine (changes every few years or so). When I watch this show, I feel like I am a part of this motorcycle club, due to its long lasting run on TV, spanning years.

Movies don’t grasp me as much anymore. Now, after watching all these shows, I feel this constant need for more. I need more story, more character development. They almost seemed rushed. I’m not asking them to make 10-hour movies, it’s not their fault. It’s more so the fact my preference has shifted to the television realm.

When you think over the years, you have shows like LOST, House M.D., The Shield, Breaking Bad, Walking Dead, Mad Men, The Sopranos, etc. These were shows that consumed years of my life, birthing some of the most unforgettable, deep and complexed characters in the last 12-15 years.

When I think back on movies, there are plenty of great characters (Alonzo Harris, Tyler Durden, The Joker, Tony Stark), but the complexity of the characters simply don’t reach the height of what TV characters reach.

This is just me thinking out loud, and I am surely not complaining. But I feel movies are not really giving me new and unique stories than TV shows seem to bring yearly. I feel like it’s mostly superhero movies, rated-R comedies, and the occasion action and chick flick. I don’t mind them, but I am happy television has been consistent in keeping my attention.

–Eric Landro