Wow, didn’t expect interesting dialogue in this thread, even though it has happened before. I think Rob, Sunny and Sea bring an insight worthy of consideration.
I think clearly the first few decades of TV was overwhelmingly geared toward youth and lighthearted entertainment for adults. Cinema was obviously the choice for more serious options in all genres, and also offered ( thankfully) brilliant options from abroad. TV was also with few exceptions not for serious actors and was also looked down upon for serious actors, though a few used TV to revive or attempt to revive their careers.
Today, it is just the opposite with too few exceptions. I can’t count how many times my wife and I watch a TV series from numerous outlets like Netflix, Amazon, HBO, Showtime et al and just marvel at the writing, acting and direction. It is far too rare IMO that I find a current film that I can say the same. There are still excellent films for sure without debate, but one must seek them out. As for the world of streaming, many wonderful options. Where this opinion hits me in the face is when I fly. This has been a 100k mile year for me. When I preview the movie options versus the TV series options on AA, it is night and day IMO.
One of the many things I do sorely miss is the bigger than life experience of true cinematography when viewing film at a proper cinema. To me, the visceral reaction is too often lost on a TV, tablet or other non-traditional formats. I have a daughter that is a serious film buff. She now understands her dads position after viewing Lawrence of Arabia and others as it was meant to be seen. Also, numerous Hitchcock films and so SO many others just aren’t the same unfortunately.
Great topic.... 😎