Personalized Serial

What happens when you spend years invested in a TV serial and then over time it changes? This happens all the time with any show that has been on the air for a while. Actors may decide to leave the show; characters may be added. Over time, the show begins to look very different, often becoming a much less watchable version of itself.

Maybe you quit watching the show. Or maybe you keep watching for the few storylines or characters in which you are still interested. I’m sure there are plenty of times when people may start watching a new show and automatically have only one character or storyline that appeals to them.

Currently, the only thing that exists to deal with this is the fast-forward button on your DVR remote. Something that should exist is a system where viewers can further customize their TV watching experience. There should be some device or system that can digitally record only the scenes related to the storylines or characters we really care about. Such a device would allow viewers to cut down on how much time they spend watching TV while increasing the amount of time they actually enjoy watching TV. In addition, it might be able to somehow communicate with the networks or producers to let them know which storylines and characters appeal most to viewers.

Personalization is a huge trend right now online (seriously, google it). And it'sspilling over into many other realms. Why shouldn't TV be one of them? Surely advertisers could use this technology somehow too.

What shows would you like to personalize? Are there any shows that already get the fast-forward treatment from you? Is there any other thing that exists already that addresses this issue?



*Thanks Rachel Quinley for this inspiration*