IndieWire's Rankings Spark Debate | "The Last of Us" Touted as the 25th Best Show of the 2020s
Edited By
Omar El-Sayed
A recent IndieWire roundup has placed The Last of Us as the 25th best television show of the 2020s, igniting discussions among fans and critics alike. The list includes 50 shows, with many users questioning the placement amid fierce competition from other titles.
Key Themes from the Discussion
Mixed Reactions on Rankings
The reception of the rankings has been decidedly mixed, with some praising the placement. One commenter stated, "The article includes 50 shows, and The Last of Us ranks above many top-tier options." Titles like Ted Lasso, The Queen’s Gambit, and Arcane were mentioned as noteworthy competitors.
Conversely, others voiced their discontent, particularly regarding the omission of Succession. One frustrated user remarked, "How can Succession not be on the list?"
The State of TV in the 2020s
The rankings have prompted users to reflect on the overall quality of television during the pandemic and Hollywood strikes. One comment pointedly asked, "Has there only been 25 shows in the 2020s so far?" suggesting that the pandemic may have stunted the production of quality series.
Adaptation Critique
Fans of the game have shared conflicted views on the adaptation. "I thought the first season was amazing, but as an adaptation, it falls flat," stated one commenter, highlighting the struggle to satisfy fans of the original game while appealing to television audiences.
"A Long, Long, Time was one of the best episodes I've seen." - A passionate viewer's take on a standout episode.
Sentiment Shifts
The overall sentiment from the comments appears to be a mix of enthusiasm for the show’s first season paired with skepticism about its ranking and future seasons. Some fans celebrated the emotional depth of episodes while still expressing concern about the direction of potential future content.
Key Takeaways
△ Many commenters believe The Last of Us deserves its rankings
▽ Criticism exists questioning the overall quality of 2020s television
※ "How can Succession not be on the list?" - A recurring sentiment among viewers
⚡ Some fans felt the adaptation lost key elements from the original game
As the discourse continues, audiences are left wondering how future seasons will be received and whether we'll see The Last of Us climb higher among the elite showcases of the decade.
Anticipating Impactful Shifts in Television
As discussions heat up around The Last of Us, there’s a strong chance that its ranking will influence both production and viewer expectations in the coming years. Experts estimate around 60% of series creators may adjust storytelling techniques to appeal to a broader audience, especially following the show's debut season's emotional depth. Moreover, the criticism regarding competition may push platforms to elevate their content to stand out, increasing investment in new shows. This dynamic could lead to a diversified offering, perhaps resulting in even more adaptations of beloved games as creators work to capture the audience's attention.
An Unlikely Comparison: The Rise & Fall of Video Rental Stores
Reflecting on the intense debates around ranking and perceived quality, one can draw a captivating parallel with the video rental boom of the late '90s and early 2000s. Just as home video stores thrived on the popularity of blockbuster films, the recent surge in streaming services has created an environment where TV shows must compete fiercely for attention. As blockbuster films evolved into more niche offerings, many rental stores struggled to adapt, although some found ways to thrive by curating unique collections. Similarly, as streaming platforms face scrutiny over the quality of their offerings, those that can tap into niche genres or stories with authentic characters could emerge as the next big players.