Comments on: Rant: TV Shows & Movies Jumping Timelines

By: Hal Schaefgen

Hal Schaefgen — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 21:59:06 +0000

I totally agree with you. I currently started a series that in each episode it jumped from one time frame to another – 20 years or so later- several times during each episode. Not only that but the characters, some 15 or so, looked quite different in each time frame. It took a full season to easily tell who was who. I finally gave up. That was the worst example of time jumping I have come across.
Enjoyed your rant!
Signed – another cantankerous old guy.

By: Jim Hillier

Jim Hillier — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 00:24:23 +0000

In reply to Lucio. Hey Lucio, Agreed. I do not like those TV series where the same story goes on forever either. I much prefer an individual story per episode, possibly with an underlying theme.

By: Lucio

Lucio — Sat, 17 Jan 2026 15:46:36 +0000

Fully agree with you Jim. Although I do remember the old 1970s King Fu series that kept bouncing back and forth. Even as a kid it was irritating.

Also hate that virtually all shows today continue from episode to episode like a soap opera. I miss the beginning, middle and end in a single show.

Regarding movies I used to love the superhero films but now it’s all about noise and special effects. No storyline and no visible action without angle cuts every millisecond.

It’s a new norm and like music will not revert back to the good ole days.

By: Jim Hillier

Jim Hillier — Sat, 17 Jan 2026 02:23:07 +0000

In reply to Bruce Robin. Good point Bruce. And I guess younger screenwriters will have a natural affinity with all that action.

By: Jim Hillier

Jim Hillier — Sat, 17 Jan 2026 02:20:25 +0000

In reply to Kelltic.

some books do the same thing

Oh no! I'm always saying to my wife; what's wrong with telling a story from the beginning through to the end?

By: Bruce Robin

Bruce Robin — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 22:16:19 +0000

What has happened to talented screenwriters who can tell a story? They got old – like us. My wife and I feel the same as you – particularly if you’re watching while doing something else and miss the split second notice of the time travel!

By: Kelltic

Kelltic — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 17:54:11 +0000

Love your little rant. That kind of timeline thing drove my husband crazy. I am not a big fan either. And here is a little warning for you: some books do the same thing. When I remember the name of one I will come back and post it for you so you can avoid it. 🙂