Geeks logo

It's the end of the franchise in the entertainment industry?

"For decades, the concept of the saga has been a staple in the entertainment industry, captivating audiences with a story that spans multiple installments."

By Barry AllisonPublished about a year ago 4 min read
Like

For decades, the concept of the saga has been a staple in the entertainment industry, captivating audiences with a story that spans multiple installments. From Star Wars to Harry Potter, sagas have played a significant role in shaping our creative landscape. However, in recent years, we have seen a shift towards standalone movies and series, leading some to question whether the end of the saga concept is upon us.

One possible explanation for this shift is the rise of streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime. With these platforms, viewers have access to an extensive library of content, allowing them to binge-watch entire series in one sitting. This has created a demand for more self-contained stories, where the entire narrative can be wrapped up in a single season or movie.

Another factor is the changing nature of the industry itself. Nowadays, studios are more focused on securing blockbuster hits that can generate massive profits rather than investing in long-term franchises. The risk involved in producing multiple movies or TV shows in a single storyline has become exponentially higher, and as a result, studios often avoid the high stakes of large-scale sagas in favor of safer bets.

In addition, audiences have become increasingly critical of franchises that lose their way. The Star Wars franchise, for instance, garnered significant criticism for its uneven quality in the sequels, with some fans feeling that it failed to live up to its earlier iterations. As a result, there is a growing reluctance from studios in investing in long-term franchises, knowing that one misstep could lead to the downfall of the entire series.

Nonetheless, it's worth noting that not all sagas are in danger of extinction. The Marvel Cinematic Universe, for instance, has gone from strength to strength, with blockbuster after blockbuster delivering critical acclaim and box office success. Its impressive record has created a blueprint for other studios, giving hope that sagas aren't entirely a thing of the past.

Another reason is that the audience's attention has shifted towards short-form content that is easy to consume and digest. This includes bite-sized videos, social media posts, and even podcasts. The longer format of a saga may not be able to hold the audience's attention long enough to keep them invested in the story. The shorter attention spans of today's audience also mean that they want immediate gratification and resolution, which the saga concept often does not provide until the end of the entire story.

Another possible factor is that the saga concept involves multiple storylines over several installments, and it can be challenging to maintain the quality of these storylines consistently. For instance, while the Star Wars franchise is a classic example of a saga that has endured over the years, its recent installments have been criticized for their convoluted and uneven storylines. J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, another beloved saga, faced similar criticism with its two-part adaptation of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows." These criticisms can turn away audiences who no longer see the saga model as an innovative way of storytelling.

Furthermore, the saga concept has become more predictable over the years, with similar plots, archetypes, and characters being used repeatedly in different sagas. This can lead to fatigue among audiences, who no longer find the stories engaging or immersive. Even sagas that have been successful in the past, such as "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, have not been able to replicate the same level of enthusiasm and buzz in recent years.

Lastly, the concept of a saga often requires a significant investment of time and money from the audience. Watching every installment of a saga, whether it be a movie franchise or a Netflix series, requires days or even weeks of consumption. The effort to keep track of the various characters, storylines, and events can also leave an audience feeling drained and disinterested.

In conclusion, it's clear that the end of the saga concept isn't entirely upon us, but rather a shift in focus towards self-contained stories. As we continue to consume entertainment differently, studios adapt to the changing times and cater to the needs of the modern-day audience. Sagas are still meaningful, but studios now choose to invest in them cautiously rather than taking massive risks.

tvpop culturemovieentertainmentcelebrities
Like

About the Creator

Barry Allison

Born in Africa and raised on the internet.

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.