In a recent episode of the Superfly podcast hosted by Dana Carvey and David Spade, renowned filmmaker Judd Apatow shared his concerns regarding the current state of the entertainment industry. The three-time Emmy winner discussed how today’s Hollywood model prioritizes intense, sensational content over more subtle, human stories.
The Shift in Storytelling
Apatow introduced a new theory about contemporary storytelling, likening it to the newspaper adage, “If it bleeds, it leads.” He explained that the industry has adopted a mentality focused on extreme situations to capture audience attention. “Everything is doomscrolling,” Apatow noted, suggesting that studios are now obsessed with producing content that is either highly dramatic or thrilling, leading to a lack of diversity in storytelling. According to him, nearly every new release on streaming platforms revolves around either “the biggest star in the world or a serial killer.”
A Hypersexual Landscape
The conversation also touched on the increasing hypersexuality in projects. Carvey pointed out how actresses like Nicole Kidman consistently star in prestige psychosexual dramas, highlighting a trend where many shows focus on sex and tension. Apatow agreed, emphasizing that this intense focus on extreme narratives often sidelines quieter, more human experiences.
The Impact of Algorithms
Apatow expressed his frustration with how viewership metrics dictate content decisions. He referenced a scene from his show Barry, illustrating how a project can be quickly canceled if it fails to keep audiences engaged. “It’s all about completion rates,” he remarked. This pressure to maintain high viewer retention leads to a climate where studios shy away from producing nuanced narratives that might not captivate viewers immediately.
According to Apatow, the industry’s fear of losing audiences has resulted in the omission of valuable storytelling elements. “You lose a lot of good stuff when everything is so wired,” he lamented, pointing out that the current approach limits creative expression.
The Broader Cultural Context
Spade further connected this trend to social media platforms like TikTok, where content creators often stretch stories to increase viewership. This phenomenon encourages clickbait-style narratives, prioritizing quantity over quality. The implications of this shift extend beyond just entertainment; it reflects a broader cultural trend where sensationalism often overshadows substance.
Apatow’s Ongoing Work
Despite these industry challenges, Apatow remains active in producing meaningful content. He is currently involved in stand-up events to raise hurricane relief funds and is set to direct a documentary about Mel Brooks for HBO. Additionally, Apatow will collaborate with Steven Spielberg on Cola Wars, a film about the competitive landscape between Pepsi and Coca-Cola during the 1980s.
