Most modern high production value American TV follows a very simple and predictable format: - first 2-3 minutes are an exciting blast of action or plot develop

Most modern high production value American TV follows a very simple and predictable format: - first 2-3 minutes are an exciting blast of action or plot development - 45 minutes of slow paced character development where nothing happens but you learn the nuances of the the shows world - 10 minutes of a build up of tension - 1 or 2 to setup a cliffhanger - the next episode starts with action again and resolved the cliffhanger in a relatively unsatisfactory way that basically leaves the plot where it was Some people enjoy this format, but I personally don’t. It feels like the entire purpose of an episode is just to get you to watch the next episode. To me, it feels manipulative and I refuse to watch the next episode when faced with a cliffhanger. The cynic in me also feels that this is entirely intentional to attract eyeballs. That said, I know plenty of people who love the comfort of getting to know characters meander through a story-line, but these people love tv generally.