Hollywood's Golden Age on TV: Why Veteran Stars Are Embracing Streaming
In a remarkable shift for the entertainment industry, ageing Hollywood megastars are increasingly drawn to the small screen, finding rich opportunities in streaming television. This trend sees icons like Harrison Ford and Meryl Streep trading cinema for complex TV roles, a move that would have been unthinkable in Old Hollywood but now offers fresh glories and career revivals.
From Big Screen to Small Screen: A New Era for Veteran Actors
Gone are the days when television was seen as a career graveyard for film stars. Today, streaming platforms provide veteran actors with substantial parts that showcase their depth and experience. Harrison Ford, for instance, stars in Shrinking as an octogenarian therapist grappling with personal struggles, a role that highlights his dramatic range beyond action heroics. Similarly, in Paramount's 1923, Ford teams up with Helen Mirren to portray a ranching family during the Great Depression, leveraging their elder statesman status for powerful storytelling.
Why TV Now Appeals to Hollywood's Old Guard
Several factors drive this migration to television. The movie industry faces financial pressures post-Covid-19 and recent strikes, leading to tighter budgets and fewer blockbuster hits. Meanwhile, TV offers consistent work and the chance to develop characters over multiple episodes, something cinema often lacks. Shows like The Old Man with Jeff Bridges or Slow Horses with Gary Oldman demonstrate how TV can provide meaty roles tailored for older actors, allowing them to explore themes of ageing and infirmity with nuance.
A Golden Age for Pensionable Performers
This trend represents a significant improvement from Hollywood's past ageism, where actors were often sidelined in late middle age. Now, veteran stars bring gravitas and star quality to TV, while audiences benefit from their seasoned performances. However, it's worth noting that men still dominate these opportunities, with women facing disproportionate ageism in the industry, as highlighted in satirical works like Amy Schumer's Last Fuckable Day sketch.
The Mutual Benefits of Streaming Stardom
For viewers, this shift means access to high-quality dramas featuring beloved stars without the need to visit cinemas. For actors, it offers a third act in their careers, with shows like Taylor Sheridan's productions actively recruiting veterans like Kevin Costner and Billy Bob Thornton. As streaming continues to evolve, this golden age for pensionable actors shows no signs of slowing, promising more compelling television ahead.
