Is It Necessary to Watch TV Shows in Order?
When it comes to entertainment, TV shows can be separated into two categories: those that require a specific viewing order and those that are self-contained. Let’s explore American Horror Story (AHS) and BTS albums, as well as other series, to see if there is a benefit to watching them in order or not.
American Horror Story (AHS)
American Horror Story (AHS) is a prime example of a series that is self-contained with each season presenting its own unique story. There is no need to watch AHS in order. Each season can be enjoyed independently, allowing viewers to jump into the storyline without prior knowledge of previous seasons. However, there are some perks to watching them in the original order: recurring actors and thematic connections enhance the viewing experience and may deepen your appreciation of the series.
For those who are specifically interested in a season's theme or setting, starting with that particular season is perfectly fine. Recurring characters and thematic connections may add layers to your understanding of the characters and their development throughout the series. But if you are bound to dive into a new season, you can start with any one without feeling lost.
BTS Albums
With BTS albums, the situation is slightly different. Unlike AHS, BTS has a much more connected narrative. Despite their individual studio albums, the band often tells a larger story through their music. Listening to their albums in order provides a cohesive storyline and a deeper understanding of the narrative arc.
For fans who are eager to catch up with what the band is saying, it is recommended to listen to their albums in the order they were released. The songs are often interconnected and build upon each other, providing a richer and more profound listening experience. Skipping around could result in missing important storylines and emotional arcs.
Other Series: Self-Contained vs. Interconnected
Not all shows are self-contained stories. Some shows have interconnected characters, plots, and storylines between seasons or even episodes. Take Murphy’s series, for example. While the characters are connected, the specific connections and implications are still unknown. For shows like this, watching in order is recommended to fully grasp the storyline and character arcs.
However, some series might not be as interconnected as one might think. For example, shows like The Mandalorian and Obi-Wan Kenobi (from the Star Wars universe) each have their own standalone storylines. In these cases, you can watch these shows independently of one another and still have a rich viewing experience.
Contemporary Examples: Legends of Tomorrow and Doom Patrol
If you specifically wanted to explore DC media, Legends of Tomorrow and Doom Patrol are two series that have strong narrative connections due to character interplay and the DC universe. While individual episodes may stand alone, the overall story and character development benefit from watching them in order. Similarly, for shows like Apokolypse, there is a thematic and narrative connection between seasons that should be observed for a full experience.
Skip ahead at your own risk. For instance, if you watch the last season of Apokolypse without having watched the previous seasons, you might miss the major storyline that ties the entire series together. These connections can add depth to your understanding and enjoyment of the show.
Ultimately, the decision to watch in order or not depends on your personal preference and what you are seeking from the show or album. Whether you want to enjoy a self-contained story or follow a complex narrative, there is no right or wrong way to consume entertainment. Enjoy your viewing or listening experience in the way that best suits you!