I hate going to L.A. and dealing with the contempt people have

Opening Scene

The room is softly illuminated by the warm glow of a table lamp, casting long shadows as the evening winds down. Outside, the usual hum of the city fades into stillness. Jack sits at the table, his hand resting on a book, lost in thought. Jeeny stands near the window, gazing out at the view below. The air is calm, but there’s a subtle tension in the room, as though a conversation about perception, media, and the value of different forms of art is about to unfold.

Host: After a brief pause, Jeeny turns from the window, her voice steady but tinged with curiosity, breaking the silence.

Jeeny: “I came across a quote by Michael Moriarty that really made me think. He said, ‘I hate going to L.A. and dealing with the contempt people have for television and television actors. It's unbelievable the kind of attitude people take toward what is the most exciting medium we've got right now.’ It made me think about how television has often been undervalued in comparison to other forms of entertainment, especially film. What do you think? Why do you think people still look down on TV, even though it’s such a powerful and influential medium?”

Jack: “I think Michael Moriarty is tapping into something that’s been true for a long time — there’s often a sense of elitism surrounding certain forms of entertainment, especially when it comes to television. In Hollywood, film has historically been seen as the more prestigious medium, and television has sometimes been dismissed as less serious or artistic. But as Moriarty points out, television has evolved in such a profound way, especially in the last decade. It’s become one of the most exciting, innovative, and dynamic forms of storytelling, but there’s still that stigma attached to it.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. And I think it’s interesting because television has become more of a cultural force than ever before. Shows like Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, and Stranger Things have shaped entire conversations around what it means to tell a good story. They’ve elevated television to an art form in a way that rivals film. But the attitude toward TV seems to be stuck in the past, where it was seen as more of a ‘mindless’ form of entertainment. The reality is, TV today is often more experimental, daring, and character-driven than a lot of what we see in theaters.”

Jack: “Right, and I think part of the issue is that people tend to forget that television has a different rhythm than film. A movie is often a two-hour experience, whereas a television show has the time to develop characters, create intricate plots, and really dive deep into themes over seasons. That level of storytelling allows for a much deeper connection with the audience, and in many cases, it leads to a more compelling and complex narrative than what we see in traditional cinema. But despite that, TV is still often seen as secondary, like it's just a stepping stone for actors who haven’t ‘made it’ into film.”

Host: The conversation deepens, and Jeeny moves closer, sitting across from Jack. Her voice steady as she continues.

Jeeny: “It’s interesting because there’s also a certain cultural bias against TV, especially in Hollywood. People think of film as the ‘high art’ of entertainment, and television has always had a bit of a lower status, even though it’s what millions of people engage with on a daily basis. The narrative around TV, especially in L.A., often suggests that it’s not as serious, not as ‘artistic,’ and that’s completely unfair. Television actors, writers, and producers are doing some of the most groundbreaking and innovative work in the industry, but they’re not always treated with the respect they deserve.”

Jack: “Exactly. There’s definitely an element of snobbery when it comes to the way TV is viewed in some circles. I think part of it comes from the fact that television is so accessible — it’s available to almost everyone, whereas films, especially in the past, were often seen as more exclusive, tied to the theater-going experience. But with the rise of streaming platforms and the massive growth in the quality of TV shows, the playing field has leveled out. Television has shown it can not only compete with film but sometimes even surpass it in terms of quality and impact.”

Jeeny: “Right, and there’s also something about the format of TV that makes it so special. The fact that a show can evolve over multiple seasons allows for such depth in storytelling. It’s not just about one-time character arcs; it's about creating a world that people want to come back to, week after week, year after year. Shows have the time to explore the complexities of life, of human nature, and of society, in a way that a two-hour movie often can’t. It’s a much richer canvas for creativity.”

Jack: “And the level of character development you get with TV, especially in modern series, is just on another level. Think about characters like Walter White from Breaking Bad or Tony Soprano from The Sopranos — these are characters that evolve over time, that grow and change in a way that’s incredibly engaging for the audience. A film has to do all that in a much shorter period of time, which makes it a much more constrained narrative. Television shows have the luxury of time to really let those characters breathe.”

Host: The room quiets for a moment as Jack and Jeeny reflect on the deeper meaning behind Michael Moriarty’s words. Outside, the world continues at its usual pace, but inside, there’s an understanding that television is a medium that deserves respect, and the work done in this space has the potential to be as artistic and impactful as any film.

Jeeny: “So, maybe the lesson here is that we shouldn’t underestimate the power of television. It’s not just ‘background noise’ or ‘mindless entertainment’ anymore — it’s a powerful platform for storytelling, and we need to give the creators in this space the same respect we give filmmakers.”

Jack: “Exactly. The quality of television today is on par with the best of cinema. The lines between film and TV are blurring, and we should celebrate the creativity and depth that both mediums offer. It’s time to stop looking down on TV and start seeing it for the incredible art form it’s become.”

Host: As the evening continues, the conversation wraps up with a quiet understanding. Television has become a rich, dynamic medium that’s capable of deep storytelling, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes. It deserves the same level of respect as any other form of art. The stigma attached to TV actors and creators is outdated — and it’s time to recognize the power and influence of the medium, both on screen and in the cultural conversation.