Here’s a variation on the proverbial desert island question: What if you were to be stranded on an island and could take as many books, movies, TV shows and series as you wanted, but only within one genre? What genre would you choose?

The advent of internet and streaming disrupted the monoculture of mass popularity of specific shows. Formerly, water cooler discussions were focussed on MASH, Cheers, Friends, or Dynasty after the majority of coworkers had watched them. But here’s an interesting statistic; for all the popularity of The Crown, that fandom only exists within a relativity small cohort. The ratio of MASH‘s audience at its peak popularity to current audiences of the The Crown is about 25:1. 

There is so much selection out there we can each choose our own niche. It also means we can choose our own times. We don’t have to watch The Crown, or Ted Lasso when those shows are winning all the awards. They will be available for years. This benefits creators too. They can find their audience without trying to appeal to the masses. The monoculture has splintered.

Most people know what their genre preferences are. The follow up question is why? What is it about a particular type of story that draws you? The theory is that we favour genre stories because they resonate with the questions and feelings we have about ourselves. People who prefer crime stories want to see justice served; murder mystery aficionados want to see problems resolved; comedy fans are seeking stress relief; the spy thriller genre perhaps soothes feelings of boredom or feeds hero fantasies. I’m guessing.

Based on purely anecdotal evidence, most of us stick to our favourite types of stories. My desert island genre choice would be comedy. I tire quickly of drama unless the main character learns something along the way and transforms. Recently I’ve discovered how much I enjoy a clever thriller, i.e., (The Recruit and Slow Horses). Years ago I lost two night’s sleep after watching The Silence of the Lambs and have avoided that sort of psychological thriller ever since.

But why keep a fence around genres at all? With so much choice available why not step out of the algorithmic like-minded offerings and experiment?

Diversity rules. Food, friends, places, music–mix it all up. Not too long ago I found myself at a dance party, and the only music on play was classic rock. I strongly dislike classic rock music. Once I got over my disdainful snobbery and put my genre choices aside I had a great time.

Step out of the genre box. You might discover something new you like, or at least enjoy the visit to someone else’s desert island. 

Keep your joy.

Anne Milne is an every Sunday blogger, unless it’s a holiday weekend. Or summertime. Facebook or email.