Iconic Films and Shows Depict the Gritty World of Broadcasting

Film critic Jan Wahl explores how classic movies and TV series capture the cruelty and ego of the media industry.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:24am

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An extreme close-up photograph of sparkling sequins and shattered glass, capturing the high-contrast glamour and excess of the entertainment industry in an abstract, conceptual manner.The glitzy textures of the entertainment industry conceal the harsh realities of the broadcasting world, as depicted in classic films and TV shows.Los Angeles Today

Veteran film critic Jan Wahl discusses several iconic movies and TV shows that provide an authentic and unflattering depiction of the broadcasting industry, including the 1957 drama "A Face in the Crowd," the 1976 satire "Network," and the HBO comedy series "The Comeback." Wahl argues these works capture the lack of humanity, cruelty, and outsized egos that can dominate the media landscape, in contrast to the more idealized portrayal of newsrooms in shows like "The Mary Tyler Moore Show."

Why it matters

Wahl's analysis sheds light on how popular culture has long grappled with the darker realities of the broadcasting world, from the corrupting influence of fame and power to the cutthroat competition that can breed unethical behavior. These depictions provide important social commentary on an industry that wields significant influence over public discourse.

The details

Wahl highlights several key films and shows that capture the broadcasting industry in unflinching detail. "A Face in the Crowd" from 1957 depicts the rise and fall of a charismatic TV personality whose ego spirals out of control, while "Network" from 1976 satirizes the lengths TV executives will go to boost ratings, even at the expense of journalistic integrity. Wahl also praises the HBO comedy "The Comeback" for its realistic portrayal of the struggles faced by B-list celebrities trying to revive their careers. In contrast, Wahl argues that shows like "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" present an idealized, unrealistic view of newsroom culture.

  • "A Face in the Crowd" was released in 1957.
  • "Network" was released in 1976.
  • "The Comeback" is currently in its third season on HBO.

The players

Jan Wahl

A Hollywood historian and film critic who has worked on various broadcast outlets and won two Emmy Awards for her longtime work on behalf of film buffs and the LGBTQ community.

Adam Kent

Wahl's friend and colleague who helped illustrate the article.

Andy Griffith

The actor who starred in "A Face in the Crowd" as the vulgar and egomaniacal TV personality Lonesome Rhodes.

Sidney Lumet

The director of the 1976 film "Network," which won Oscars for Lumet and writer Paddy Chayefsky.

Lisa Kudrow

The actress who perfectly portrays a desperate B-list sitcom star trying to revive her career in the HBO series "The Comeback."

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What they’re saying

“You get impatient with movies that don't reflect the authentic world of television.”

— Adam Kent, Wahl's colleague

“We are lucky here in the Bay Area to have two very cool anchors, Janelle Wang and Dan Ashley.”

— Jan Wahl, Film critic

What’s next

The third season of "The Comeback" on HBO is expected to continue exploring the harsh realities of the entertainment industry.

The takeaway

Wahl's analysis highlights how classic films and TV shows have long provided incisive social commentary on the broadcasting world, depicting the cruelty, ego, and lack of humanity that can dominate the media landscape, in contrast to more idealized portrayals.