7 Recent TV shows that are genuinely cinematic

The Young Pope

Because of the way it is created and consumed, television typically isn’t allowed to be decadent. Since TV viewers aren’t captive the same way a film audience is, showrunners have to be mindful to not produce content that will be too horrific, strange or banal. If not, the audience will abandon the series and its intended conclusion will never be realized. The Young Pope, created by Italian filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino, is almost confrontationally disinterested in the norms of television. It is beautifully, enthrallingly decadent in a way that is a wholly unusually for television.

The show is full of long, sprawling conversations about weighty topics like human relationships, abortion, love, and faith. Its visual aesthetic is defined by rich textures, beautifully composed frames, and diaphanous, dreamlike lighting. It features laughably incongruent needle drops. It transitions between operatic set pieces and sitcom-style hijinks with staggering confidence. It’s dialog seems equally influenced by ‘50s existentialist cinema and ‘80s action blockbusters. It’s editing style calls to mind the work of all the great ‘90s music video directors. It’s pacing seems entirely disconnected from the conventions of the form. And the performance of leading man Jude Law is funny, vulnerable and delightfully arch.

It’s a rich, gorgeous and confounding piece of work that is never less than thoroughly cinematic.