ATX TV Festival Panel Explores the Enduring Appeal of TV Procedurals

The enduring popularity of television procedurals took center stage during the “Investigating the Legacy of Procedurals” panel presented by NBC100 at ATX TV Festival. The conversation featured actors from some of television’s most recognizable franchises, including Kelli Giddish from Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Miranda Rae Mayo from Chicago Fire, Kyle Secor from Homicide: Life on the Street, and Sarah Ramos from Chicago Med.

Throughout the discussion, the panelists reflected on why procedural dramas continue to resonate with audiences decades after their rise in popularity and how the genre has evolved.

Why Do Procedurals Continue to Work So Well?

The panelists agreed that procedurals offer audiences something increasingly valuable in today’s chaotic world: consistency and comfort.

Secor explained that Homicide: Life on the Street often strayed from the traditional procedural structure because many cases remained unsolved for extended periods of time. Even without neat conclusions at the end of every episode, he said audiences still found the storytelling satisfying.

Mayo said procedurals continue to resonate because viewers are drawn to the predictable rhythm of watching problems arise and eventually get resolved. In a world filled with uncertainty, she said the format provides a sense of escape and reassurance.

Giddish compared watching procedurals to returning to a comfortable routine. Audiences become attached to the characters and familiar storytelling beats, she said, finding comfort in knowing how the shows operate and how certain characters will respond.

Ramos added that procedurals rely on a recognizable formula that becomes comforting to audiences over time, comparing the format to pop music because of how easily it stays with viewers.

How Has the Procedural Genre Changed?

The panelists also discussed how audience expectations and representation within procedurals have evolved over the decades.

Secor reflected on how Homicide: Life on the Street aired before social media gave audiences an immediate outlet for reactions and criticism. At the time, he said viewers were not always satisfied when storylines remained unresolved.

Ramos shared her experience joining Chicago Med as Dr. Lenox, a character intentionally introduced as an antagonist who would disrupt the dynamic of the hospital. While cast and crew members responded positively during production, she said the reaction online after the show aired was much harsher and initially caught her off guard.

Giddish noted that procedural television once heavily relied on a male-and-female lead structure, but audiences today are much more receptive to female-led stories and ensembles.

Secor added that Homicide: Life on the Street originally planned to feature almost entirely male detectives before producers recognized the need for more diverse representation. Over time, he said, the cast became more reflective of broader audiences.

The Emotional Weight of Procedural Storytelling

Because procedurals frequently center on traumatic subject matter, the panelists spoke candidly about the challenge of separating work from personal life.

Ramos discussed filming an emotional Chicago Med storyline in which her character learns she has a terminal diagnosis while her own mother was dealing with health issues at the same time. She said the experience felt especially surreal because the filming location overlooked the same view she saw from her apartment in Chicago, adding to the emotional intensity.

Giddish recalled experiencing physical stress after filming difficult storylines on Law & Order: SVU, particularly while pregnant. One storyline involved complications with her character’s pregnancy and it was scary for her when she later experienced contractions at home. She also remembered another disturbing scene involving a pregnant character that stayed with her long after filming ended.

Mayo said she hopes future storylines for her character become lighter after a season filled with emotionally heavy material, including a miscarriage and the loss of a close friend. She also reflected on experiencing anxiety after intense episodes and realizing the importance of finding ways to mentally and emotionally separate herself from the work.

Secor said many actors on Homicide: Life on the Street struggled with the emotional weight of the series because they were young performers deeply invested in the material. Years later, reconnecting with former cast members while revisiting the show’s legacy gave many of them the opportunity to process those experiences together.

The Value of Long-Running Network Television

As streaming continues to favor shorter seasons, the panelists reflected on the demanding but rewarding nature of producing traditional 22-episode network dramas.

Giddish said she appreciates being part of a long-running procedural because of the strong collaboration between the cast and crew and because many people involved genuinely enjoy the work.

Ramos compared filming schedules between Chicago Med and The Bear, noting that while The Bear films for only a few months, Chicago Med operates on a much longer production cycle that spans most of the year. She emphasized the enormous workload placed on television writers and crews who must consistently produce more than 20 episodes each season.

Conclusion

From the comforting familiarity of recurring characters to the emotional challenges actors face behind the scenes, the “Investigating the Legacy of Procedurals” panel highlighted why the genre continues to endure decades after its rise in popularity during the 1990s. While procedural television has evolved alongside a changing audience, the panelists agreed that the format still provides viewers with something reliable: consistency, emotional release and the reassurance that problems will eventually be resolved.