Why Some Classic TV Shows Dramatically Changed Despite Claims of Political Correctness

Is it true that TV shows like N.C.I.S. are ruined by the overuse of political correctness? While the phrase political correctness often evokes strong opinions, a deeper look into the reasons behind a show's depictions or cancellations reveals underlying financial motivations rather than a conscious turn towards political correctness.

The Case of N.C.I.S.

The first few seasons of N.C.I.S. showcased the menace posed by various Islamic extremist groups, with Ziva's brother being a prime example of how the show tackled this social issue. Over time, however, the narrative shifted significantly, as the focus on Islamic characters as antagonists was dropped. Instead, the show began to feature a more complex villain in a wealthy, white military-corporate complex figure. This narrative shift may have been less about political correctness and more about maintaining viewer interest and aligning with contemporary narrative trends.

Money Over Mentalités

Counterintuitively, TV shows often get canceled for purely financial reasons. Publicists and actors might present reasons for cancellations, but these are often secondary to the primary financial concerns. Moviemakers and broadcasters frequently withdraw from projects due to potential losses, especially if there are significant public protests. These protests can signal to producers that the show is no longer generating the desired revenue.

A notable example is Battlestar Galactica, which faced criticism for its sexist portrayal of women. Instead of addressing these concerns by expanding the roles of female characters, the producers added more skimpy scenes for male characters, akin to a Chippendales style twist. This move did not resonate with the audience and ultimately failed to salvage the series, which was ultimately shut down due to the significant costs associated with special effects and the lack of profitability.

Financial Decisions Over Faux Bravery

When fans attribute the capitulation of a show to political correctness, they often overlook the financial bottom line. Behind the scenes, producers and commercial sponsors withdraw support due to fears that protests will adversely affect their bottom line. This withdrawal can be driven by the belief that the impact of the protests will not be substantial enough to significantly harm profits.

For instance, if a show is facing vocal protests from a specific group, and these same protesters are not a significant financial risk, the producers and sponsors will cut their losses and support the show. This is often misinterpreted as a lack of moral support from the show's defenders, but in reality, it's a rational business decision.

Conclusion

The narrative of political correctness overshadowing shows like N.C.I.S. and Battlestar Galactica often misses the underlying financial realities. While there may be valid criticisms and concerns about the direction of these shows, the primary drivers behind their changes, or cancellations, are financial. The drive to maintain profitability and avoid public backlash often trumps any perceived moral or ethical considerations.

In sum, while the concept of political correctness is often the focal point of these discussions, the truth is that money, not moral righteousness, remains the driving force behind many of the decisions made in the entertainment industry.