The Art of Patience: TV Shows That Reward Their Audience

The Art of Patience in TV Shows

Some of the best TV shows ever made require a little bit of patience, and their quality isn't immediately obvious from the beginning. Most people have probably heard the phrase 'trust me, it gets better' when talking about shows that they struggle to get through. Giving up after a few episodes or even a whole season can be very tempting, but there are plenty of great shows which reward the patience of their audience.

Jon Hamm as Don Draper in Mad Men

Very few shows manage to hit the ground running, but they still use their first episodes to set up important character details and plot points. Some of these TV shows develop a better sense of themselves over time, so the quality can massively improve after a little while. Often, there is clearly a great idea at the heart of the show, but it takes time for the writers and actors to dial into how exactly to facilitate this idea. Other shows start slowly on purpose. They use pacing as a tool to manipulate their audience and create a sense of intrigue. Slow-burn shows can be extremely satisfying if audiences decide to stick with them after the first few episodes. With most great TV shows, it doesn't take too long for them to become addicting, but audiences sometimes need to endure a slow start.

Let's explore some of the notable TV shows that have rewarded the patience of their audience with their captivating narratives and character development.

Mad Men: A Slow-Burn Masterpiece

Mad Men's sleek 1960s charm is usually enough to keep audiences interested for at least a few episodes, but its period quirks do a lot of the heavy lifting for the first season or so. It takes a little while to set up the plot lines which will run throughout the series, like Don’s secret past, Betty’s creeping ennui, and Peggy’s growing ambition.

Betty with a gun in Mad Men

While the show does so, it often resembles a slice-of-life on Madison Avenue, with high-powered misogynist business executive luxuriating at boozy lunches on the company card. It’s still strangely watchable, but it doesn’t indicate how hilarious and gripping the show eventually becomes.

Roger having a drink in Mad Men

BoJack Horseman: Unveiling True Depth

BoJack Horseman has a quirky premise from the outset, but after the novelty of a depressed Hollywood horse starts to wear off, the show’s first season looks a lot like many other adult animations. Will Arnett is still pitch-perfect, and BoJack’s group of friends are each beautifully designed to antagonize him, but the show doesn’t begin to set itself apart from its peers until much later.

Bojack and Diane in front of a night sky in BoJack Horseman

Once BoJack Horseman has time to explore its wacky characters a little deeper, the show gains a much heavier emotional resonance. By the time BoJack Horseman’s avant-garde finale aired, it was barely recognizable in tone or quality.

Severance: A Deeply Intoxicating Premise

Severance’s first episode introduces Mark, an office worker who has undergone a surgical procedure to sever his work self from his home self. It’s a unique sci-fi premise that comments on modern society’s unhealthy obsession with work, but the first episode doesn’t indicate just how deep the show’s exploration of this idea can go.

Helly and Mark looking into the goat department

Severance is a slow-burn show with elements of mystery woven into the narrative. It might take a couple of episodes for the show to sink its hooks into its audience, but it doesn’t let go. What seems like a quirky concept is just the tip of the iceberg.

Conclusion

These TV shows exemplify the art of patience, demonstrating that the best narratives and character developments often require time to fully unfold. By rewarding the patience of their audience, these shows have left a lasting impact and garnered dedicated fanbases. The next time you come across a slow-burn TV show, remember that it may just be the beginning of an exceptional journey.