What is the aim of TV programming?

According to Rob Henderson, the aim of TV programming has evolved over time. In the 1950s, it seemed designed to make people happy and cheerful, portraying characters as happier than they might have actually been. However, modern TV shows often exhibit a darker, more cynical outlook, with characters displaying self-interest and dark motives. Henderson suggests that while earlier programming aimed to instill positivity, contemporary shows might be fostering a more cynical worldview 1.