From ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ to ‘SVU,’ How Procedurals Became Must-Have Comfort TV

[feurioo]

“A good procedural is like comfort food: consistently satisfying,” says Erin Underhill, president of Universal TV.

The familiarity of the format makes procedurals easy to watch — even if the stories themselves are often dark and anxiety-inducing. NBC’s “Law & Order: SVU,” one of the most successful of its kind, revolves around detectives tasked with securing justice for sexual assault victims. In her role as Capt. Olivia Benson, Mariska Hargitay is a heroic figure on screen and off, given her 25 seasons (and counting) on the air.

“They are successful because our viewers see them as comfort television. They don’t disappoint you, and you want to keep coming back,” says producer Dick Wolf.

Full article over at variety.com.

Do you have a "comfort TV" procedural? What makes it special?

Comments

[shadowkat]

I got burned out on the genre ages ago. But I wouldn't call Grey's Anatomy a procedural - it's more of a soap opera or medical drama?

9-1-1 is definitely a procedural, which I find comforting. I got bored of it finally. But may go back to it. I liked everyone on that one. Also enjoyed Lone Star.

My favs? The Good Wife - which became more of a legal/political satire, ER - more of a medical drama,
Moonlighting - which was just nuts, Remington Steele, Prime Suspect, Murder One, The Profiler, Columbo, The Wire (which is basically the best police procedural that has aired), True Detective, Homicide Life on the Streets.

Also 9-1-1 and 9-1-1 Lone Star.

I got burned out on the serial killer trope - so can't watch that any longer. And most tend to go there, unfortunately. I also can't do the sexual violence trope - no patience for it.

I'm flirting with Will Trent. And have done two seasons of Only Murders in the Building. A good procedural is fun, but they are hard to find at times. And I'm picky.