Discuss @RyanF 's latest article here
Fantastic piece, I'm really glad Ryan wrote this. Fox and Sky's rise makes sense and I hadn't considered it for years.
It's a rather classic example of the butterfly effect that it's difficult imagine precisely what comedy would be like without the simpsons because presumably the thing that everyone else loved and would try and do would be something else. I mean just focusing on one of the little things you mentioned, Spaced itself was so influential in terms of careers it launched that a different Spaced could have huge effects. Same with the Office and the brand of humour, on both sides of the atlantic, that it launched.
The challenge of building up a completely different pop culture is one that most AH, rightfully shies away from as being difficult to explain, but when you think about how much of my casual conversation involves using phrases, references and ideas I've picked up from pop culture. it's boggling to think how different a person I'd be in a world with a different bunch of media out there.
Interesting point about the Cornetto Trilogy!
The world without the Simpsons definitely seems to be a poorer place but that may be OTL bias. Still it kind of makes the entertainment world seem small when you realize how many big names you can tie to one project.