Sherwood’s weekly release: A fight for traditional TV experiences
James Graham, the acclaimed writer behind the BBC drama Sherwood, recently shared his passionate stance on the release format of his series. Speaking at the Edinburgh TV Festival, Graham revealed his advocacy for a weekly episode release rather than the all-at-once binge model on the streaming platform iPlayer.
The case for weekly episodes
During his address, Graham highlighted the importance of stretching out the viewing experience. “There was, of course, a discussion about whether to make the entire series available on iPlayer, rather than weekly,” he explained. “I am not against that freedom of choice for an audience. A good old binge works for some shows. But I also really cherish those television experiences that stretch out, that demand we wait, so that actual, in-real-life conversations can be generated around the work. Those infamous ‘watercooler’ conversations the morning after the night before.”
Graham’s argument is rooted in the belief that the twists and turns of Sherwood should be savored and discussed collectively. He emphasized that the social and political themes embedded in the series are designed to unravel at specific moments, making a weekly release more impactful.
The power of shared viewing experiences
Graham’s reflections resonate deeply with many cinema and TV series enthusiasts who appreciate the communal aspect of watching shows. The anticipation of a new episode each week can create a shared cultural moment, fostering discussions and theories among viewers. This traditional model of TV viewing can enhance the overall experience, making it more memorable and engaging.
For those interested in exploring Sherwood, you can watch the trailer here.
Addressing class representation in the industry
Graham’s speech at the festival wasn’t just about the release format of his series. He also used the platform to address a significant issue in the television industry: the underrepresentation of working-class people. Citing a study, he pointed out that only 8% of those working in television come from a working-class background, despite making up nearly half of the population. This disparity is particularly striking given that working-class people are the biggest consumers of TV.
Graham called for a comprehensive, industry-wide standard and plan to improve class diversity in productions and awards. He urged the new government to integrate culture into its national renewal efforts, rather than keeping it on the peripheries of policy-making.
A call for industry-wide change
Graham’s vision for change extends beyond mere representation. He advocates for a “joined-up approach” where the resources and expertise of the television and film industry are harnessed to build and sustain initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion. This approach, he believes, would serve as both a statement of intent and a valuable resource for the industry.
The TV Foundation’s new initiative
In line with Graham’s call for change, the Edinburgh TV Festival’s charitable arm, The TV Foundation, unveiled a new initiative called the Impact Unit. Led by Gemma Bradshaw, the Impact Unit aims to make the industry more inclusive through various initiatives. These include creating a pan-sector working group, introducing a social mobility bursary for the festival, and developing measurements and monitoring systems.
Personal reflections on the future of TV
As a cinema and TV series enthusiast, it’s heartening to see industry leaders like James Graham advocating for both traditional viewing experiences and greater inclusivity. The weekly release model he champions not only preserves the excitement and communal aspect of TV watching but also respects the narrative structure of shows like Sherwood.
Moreover, the push for better representation and inclusivity in the industry is a crucial step towards a more equitable and diverse media landscape. The initiatives introduced by the Impact Unit are promising, and it will be interesting to see how they unfold and impact the industry in the coming years.
For those who enjoy diving deep into the world of TV series, the conversation around release formats and representation is a reminder of the power of storytelling and the importance of inclusivity in the stories we tell and consume.
For more insights and trailers, check out the Sherwood trailer.