I need some "new" shows to watch. Is The Newsroom something that would interest me? I loved House Of Cards, BB and The Sopranos. This may not tell you an awful a lot about me, but I LOVE quality material. Great writing and great acting is essentially what I'm after.
shareMaybe. On one hand, this is another behind-the-scenes "how the sausage is made" type shows. All are well written, well acted, and have nice balance of humor, drama, and story. However, the Newsroom (and Sorkin shows in general) are a massive tonal shift from the shows you listed. Those focus on the gritty reality and dark underbelly of the societies they portray. They are dark portrayals of humanity featuring ruthless people doing what they need to do to thrive. The Newsroom is a polar shift featuring progressive idealism striving to overcome the problems of society by championing intellectualism and professionalism. As such, they can easily be dismissed by some as simple, preachy, left-wing diatribes.
If smart idealistic people working toward a progressive agenda sounds like your cup of tea, go for it, it's a great show. However if you prefer a more cynical, gritty show filled with anti-heroes, this is probably not for you.
So far I would say there is some grittyness in this show - sure, it's not as cynical overall as something like House of Cards or GoTs but (from where I have watched up to) there is definitely a Machiavellian element - the studio execs being in bed with political agendas for business reasons etc.
I just view the characters in this as less nihilistic and less selfish. And again, sure, some characters can be goody toes shoes progressive but then some people are that naive'.
Heard an interesting question the other day - is it rational to be rational when being rational makes you unhappy? Misanthropy and nihilism may be the most reasonable way to look at our species ATM - but is confronting that painful truth worth destroying your own time on Earth over? Only the individual can decide that for themselves.
After watching some more - you are correct. The show is a bit too feel good and it makes it seem unrealistic compared to other modern television.
shareI love Sopranos, House of Cards, Bloodline and Game of Thrones. Am up to season 1 episode 4 of Newsroom and thus far, i think it is up there with them.
Obviously changed mind - this show gets worse as it goes on, not better. Sad, such a promising start.