Freakonomics: The T.V. Series

July 10, 2007

Freakonomics: The T.V. Series

Jane Galt doesn't think you could have a good t.v. show about journalists at the Economist:

But even if you rely heavily on political or human-interest plotlines, there is no way to make a whole show about journalists work on television. That's because the most dramatic moment is singularly undramatic. Consider your typical law drama, which has a dramatic resolution in the courtroom, with people shouting at each other. Compare that to the culmination of any journalist's work.

I'm typing!

Now I'm typing really fast!

I beg to differ - a show about economists could be a scream. The key: Forget drama. Think comedy. Think Seinfeld - another show about freaks:

KRAMER: ...And you're the manager of the circus.

JERRY: A circus?

KRAMER: Come on, this is a great idea. Look at the characters. You've got all these freaks on the show. A woman with a moustache? I mean, who wouldn't tune in to see a women with a moustache? You've [sic] for the tallest man in the world; a guy who's just a head.

JERRY: I don't think so.

KRAMER: Look Jerry, the show isn't about the circus, it's about watching freaks.

JERRY: I don't think the network will go for it.

KRAMER: Why not?

JERRY: Look, I'm not pitching a show about freaks.

KRAMER: Oh come on Jerry, you're wrong. People they want to watch freaks. This is a "can't miss."

All right, maybe that's going too far...