Hollywood’s Murder Obsession Masks Deeper Industry Anxiety, Says Top Showrunner

Mike Schur, the celebrated creator behind hit comedies, sees a troubled industry. He points to a flood of dark true-crime content on streaming services. This trend reflects a sour national mood, he suggests.According to The Hollywood Reporter, Schur believes buyers are minimizing risk by chasing proven formulas. This has created a market saturated with murder mysteries. The strategy reverses the traditional creative process.

Streaming Algorithms Are Reversing Hollywood’s Creative Polarity

Schur explains the fundamental shift. Algorithms now dictate content based on past viewer data. This is different from the old model where creators pitched new ideas. It means studios are ceding control to audience metrics.This data-driven approach squishes creativity toward the middle, Schur warns. He cites his own experience with the show Hacks. Many networks passed on the original idea. Only one executive identified its potential, leading to a critical hit.

Industry Consolidation Poses a “Death Knell” for Creativity

The producer, based at NBCUniversal, is vocal about consolidation. He states clearly that industry consolidation is bad. Having only a few companies buying content is a creative death knell, he argues.Despite recent mega-deals, Schur does not see a new bubble. He compares it to networks always chasing top talent like Aaron Sorkin. Signing proven hitmakers like Taylor Sheridan is a logical business move for a streamer’s future.

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The current landscape favors grim procedurals over optimistic comedies. Veteran showrunner Mike Schur identifies this Hollywood murder obsession as a symptom of deeper uncertainty. The industry’s future may depend on rediscovering its appetite for original ideas.

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What shows has Mike Schur created?

Mike Schur is known for *The Office*, *Parks and Recreation*, and *The Good Place*. His latest project is the Netflix comedy *A Man on the Inside* starring Ted Danson.

Why does Schur think there are so many murder shows?

He believes TV reflects the country’s sour and unpleasant mood. Streaming services see success with dark content and replicate it to minimize financial risk.

What is Schur’s view on industry consolidation?

He calls it bad and a “death knell.” He warns that having only three companies buying TV shows and movies would severely limit creative options.

Is Hollywood entering another deal bubble?

Schur says no. He sees recent mega-deals for creators like Taylor Sheridan as logical investments in proven, bankable talent rather than a speculative bubble.

What was Schur’s role in the 2023 writers’ strike?

He served on the WGA negotiating committee. He describes the process as involving sober, technical jargon rather than dramatic confrontations.