Trade Magazines Call for Reflection on Fascism in TV
Editors from prominent trade publications are urging television producers to hold up a “mirror” to America’s disturbing shift toward what they describe as fascism during Donald Trump’s presidency.
As the 2025 Emmy Awards approach in September, Michael Schneider, executive editor at Variety, referenced a recent remark by Vince Gilligan, the creator of “Breaking Bad.” Schneider expressed his concern over Gilligan’s assertion that the continuous assault on rights shouldn’t be “sugar-coated.”
He emphasized the importance of documenting the present reality before creators venture into depicting a hopeful future. “It’s vital to confront our current state of affairs, hoping the public recognizes the risks we face amidst this rapid descent into fascism,” Schneider stated.
He pointed to recent Emmy nominations as examples of shows that illustrate the consequences of authoritarian rule, specifically mentioning “The Handmaid’s Tale,” which has been eerily prophetic in its portrayal of potential futures.
Schneider insisted that as time goes on, the current reality must be woven into various genres, not just dramas. He posed questions regarding whether political narratives will showcase the erosion of American ideals or whether legal dramas will reflect the societal impacts of governmental actions.
He further questioned the implications of attempts to silence journalists and erase uncomfortable truths from the nation’s past, suggesting that corporations prioritize their interests over accountability in the face of authority.
Schneider articulated that freedom of speech is increasingly at risk, while the military is reportedly deployed against political adversaries, and shadowy law enforcement practices are on the rise. “These circumstances are far from normal, and relying on traditional storytelling methods of television is inadequate,” he concluded.
Earlier this year, Schneider had drawn parallels to fictional worlds depicted in “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “The Boys,” warning that such dystopian societies no longer feel distant under the Trump administration.
