When it first aired in 2001, Six Feet Under wasn’t just a traditional regular TV show on HBO, but rather a forerunner of modern television. The show, created by Alan Ball, centered on the lives and trials of the Fisher family, who owned a funeral parlor in Los Angeles.
Widely hailed as one of the best television shows ever made, it was a unique blend of humor and depth, tackling themes such as morality, family dysfunction, and existential fear. But this was not the main thing that made this series unique and better than others, it was the way the series was shot.
What makes Six Feet Under better than other series?
Six Feet Under didn’t just debut as another TV drama, it seemed to spark a revolution in storytelling that blurred the line between television and film. The series was a groundbreaking experiment in storytelling, with an ensemble cast that featured multiple themes and elements not possible in mainstream media.
While everything from the plot to the acting to the pacing to the writing was worthy of praise, the success of the series was actually a result of the way it was written and approached. It wasn’t “just a TV show,” as Freddie Rodriguez would say, it was lightning in a bottle.
It was a very unique situation…We were in a really unique position of being one of the pioneers of everything you see on cable today. So there was the excitement of exploring uncharted territory. So there really weren’t any rules.
Rodriguez told Rolling Stone while giving an oral history of the show and the cast and crew. Additionally, what made this series so different from its contemporaries was that it was not shot like a regular TV show, but like a movie. Every episode was shot and approached as a movie, giving viewers an unparalleled experience.
Each episode of Six Feet Under was treated like a standalone movie
At a time when most television shows adhered to a strict formula, Six Feet Under made history by venturing into uncharted territory. The production’s willingness to reject traditional production norms and seek fearless innovation ultimately became one of the show’s most impressive aspects.
With the help of Oscar-winning creator Alan Ball and the support of numerous filmmakers, each episode of the series was treated with the same care and craftsmanship as an independent film. Each new episode brought a new experience for fans, transporting them into a world that felt larger than the average TV show airing at the time.
Plus, since the series aired on HBO, the freedom they were given helped make the series as raw and unflinching as ever. With no restrictions imposed on language or content, Six Feet Under was able to explore more mature themes than the average TV show.
As such, the series has set a new standard in storytelling, from its unique production style to its boundary-pushing stories. It is a testament to the fact that cinematic storytelling is not limited by the medium, redefining what television can achieve and proving that greatness awaits those brave enough to take risks.
Six Feet Under is available to stream on Max.
