I watched the series of the early 2000s and 2010s and compared them with the series closer to the 2020s and directly felt the difference, as if the authors really tried something before, I really cried when watching or was happy for the characters. The same with games, I played several games from the 2000s, and one sank into my heart, even after playing it a few years later, its plot still evokes vivid and pleasant memories, which has not yet happened with any game from the 2010s and even more so from the 2020s.
I’m not the only one, am I?
It’s not just since then, that’s just when you noticed it.
It’s the pursuit of mass appeal, as studios consolidate there’s less competition for different demographics or preferences. Everything aims for a global phenoma that could kick off decades long franchises.
So we end up with “safe”. If any significant demographic wouldn’t like something, it’s cut. If any significant demo needs something to draw their views, it’s added.
So we get an occasional show that feels ok.
But it’ll never ever hit as hard as something that was dialed into your specific demo like what used to be the norm. No one wants to make the best “sci fi” or “vampire” show, they want to make the best “show” period. Something that everyone will watch and no one will hate.
It can easily be fixed by breaking out the corporations so they have to compete and don’t have the resources to go for global blockbusters like Star Wars or Harry Potter.
People would just make the best movie/show they could to tell the story they wanted. And hope enough people identify with it to make something else next.