LogFAQs > #972520437

I've really noticed this with The Blacklist - not just the acting, but everything feels so "cheap" too. At least this is confirmed to be its last season.

It's one of those things I don't really think about but was highlighted in this article speculating on which tv shows could be renewed, in particular if CBS's "Blue Bloods" would be renewed for a 14th season (which it was yesterday):

As Deadline reported last month, the size of the cuts CBS had been pushing for on the show were pretty deep, as much as 25% for some above-the-line talent, which includes actors. Blue Bloods employs hundreds of crew and other support personnel whose livelihood depends on it, and I hear the cast and producers have agreed to salary reductions in order to keep the show going. Some deals are still being finalized, but I hear they are expected to close shortly and the venerable family cop drama will return for a 14th season.

So it's been on for 13 seasons, is pretty steady ratings-wise for CBS, and yet still needs to make deep cuts just to get another season. And I noticed this in particular since earlier this year, I watched a few episodes from past seasons in that show, even going to like season 8 or 9, and then watching a few of the current (season 13) episodes - everything is just so much worse, everything just feels so cheap.

I figure SVU's in a similar boat, it runs that long that there's pressure to decrease costs, hire cheaper talent, spend less on the little things. I also think the writer's room probably suffers from weaker talent churning out weaker scripts, they get the B-team working on these longer-running shows with built-in audiences. That's just me speculating though.