The 3 H’s of Groundbreaking Television

Working in Hollywood, I have seen how ideas move people. I have written about how viewers crave shows that help them relate to who they are. Every one of us lives at the disposal of our emotions — anger, sadness, loss, comfort, joy, these are all things we feel on a daily basis (sometimes even at the same time). Great television feeds our innate senses. It helps us make sense of our world and the people in it, but it also reminds us that we are part of a larger community and drives us to cultivate connections with the rest of the world as well. 

Modern Family challenged the notion that perfect families exist. It showed viewers that unified families are products of a conscious effort to proactively resolve conflicts and stick it out through difficult times. For all of its viewers, Modern Family was a mirror that reflected their own experiences back to them on screen. It was a reminder that they weren’t alone, that no matter what they were going through, they would get through it. Similarly, when the world watched Blue Planet II back in 2017, it’s no surprise that its message inspired 88 percent of people to change their lifestyles. When you watch Blue Planet, you’re not watching it alone — you are watching it as part of a society.

We need these revolutionary shows, the ones that people need to see to realize why they should care about them. But where do these ideas stem from? There are actually three factors that go into creating these shows.

Head, Heart, Horizon: The 3 H’s of Groundbreaking Television

Back when I was an intern, the first show I was ever involved in was America’s Most Wanted. When it aired in 1988, there was nothing like it on television at the time. Even though we wholly backed the show’s concept, it was admittedly a bit of a surprise to all of us when we saw how quickly it became a success. But after thinking about it, all of the attributes were there:

Head: The idea that you could capture criminals by using a television phone line was astonishing to viewers. The concept blew their minds.

Heart: When we shot the re-enactments, we knew that the visuals of these stories and crimes would engage viewers because it inspired an emotional reaction. Because they were hooked, we knew it would motivate them to pick up their phones if necessary.

Horizon: When AMW was conceived, national crime rates were sky-high. Airing the show gave viewers a sense of comfort because it involved them in the process of putting the bad guys away. 

At first, people were confused by its purpose. It wasn’t quite news, but it also wasn’t fictional either. The head, heart, and horizon were there, but it went over people’s heads at first. To sell the concept, my boss had come up with the phrase “electronic mob justice.” With this new visual in mind, it was easier for people to buy into it — they saw the head, heart, and horizon. 

If a show doesn’t touch on all three of these core elements, it won’t be successful. You can think you have a great idea for a show. You can even see the head, heart, and horizon for yourself. But if you can’t show people the head, heart, and horizon — if you can’t convince them of these elements — it means nothing. Revolutionary shows need all three if they hope to create a legacy.