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Okay, so Bryan Elsley, the absolute legend who gave us Skins, recently dropped a truth bomb. He says ‘multi-strand’ storytelling—where you track five different friend groups simultaneously—is becoming ‘quite unusual.’ And honestly? I’m spiraling. We went from the golden era of messy, overlapping drama to shows that feel like they’re written by algorithms. Is this format dead, or are we just not looking hard enough? Let’s talk about why we need this chaos back in our lives.
1. Because one protagonist is just never enough
Look, I love a character study, but watching one person angst in their bedroom for ten episodes? Boring. The multi-strand format gives us the ‘Skins’ energy where everyone is dealing with their own private apocalypse at the same time. It’s like a group chat that never ends, and honestly, that’s exactly how my life feels on a Tuesday. Why settle for one plot when you can have six disasters colliding at once?
2. The ‘Skins’ effect is still unmatched
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Let’s be real: Skins (2007-2013) set the bar for the multi-strand format. With a 92% Rotten Tomatoes score for its peak seasons, it taught us that you can have a chaotic party scene in one room and a devastating emotional breakdown in the next. Most shows today are afraid to be that messy. They want to be ‘prestige.’ We don’t want prestige; we want the raw, unfiltered, multi-perspective reality that Elsley perfected.
3. We are tired of the ‘single-hero’ journey
Everything on Netflix right now feels like a generic origin story. It’s always ‘The Chosen One’ doing ‘The Thing.’ The multi-strand format is the antidote to that. It’s democracy in storytelling. No one is the main character because everyone is the main character. It’s chaotic, it’s refreshing, and it makes me feel like I’m actually watching a community, not just one person’s ego trip.
4. The pacing is actually addictive
If you’re watching a show where the camera never leaves one person, you’re going to be reaching for your phone after ten minutes. Multi-strand shows keep you on your toes because as soon as one arc gets a little too slow, we jump to the next high-stakes situation. It’s basically built-in ADHD-friendly pacing. Why would we ever want to go back to the old, slow way of doing things?
5. It captures the feeling of real life
Bryan Elsley is right that this is unusual now, but isn’t that how life works? You’re dealing with a breakup, your friend is losing their job, and your other friend is starting a cult—all on the same Friday night. Multi-strand storytelling reflects that beautiful, messy overlap. It makes the world of the show feel massive and lived-in. It’s not just a set; it’s a whole ecosystem of bad decisions.
6. The ensemble cast potential is insane
When you have a multi-strand show, you get to cast a dozen rising stars instead of just one bankable lead. Think about how many icons came out of Skins alone. Nicholas Hoult, Dev Patel, Kaya Scodelario—the list is endless. When you give ten people equal screen time, you’re bound to find a breakout star. It’s basically a factory for future A-listers and we are living for the talent.
7. We miss the ‘intertwining lives’ trope
There is nothing more satisfying than when the strands finally cross. You know the moment: two characters who haven’t spoken in four episodes suddenly end up at the same party, and the tension is palpable. It’s a narrative pay-off that single-strand shows just can’t replicate. It feels like a puzzle finally clicking into place, and honestly, it’s the best feeling in the world.
8. Streaming platforms are killing the format
Okay, hot take: streaming algorithms are to blame. They love ‘easy to follow’ content that people can half-watch while scrolling TikTok. Multi-strand shows require, like, actual focus. You have to pay attention to who is dating who and why someone is crying in the bathroom. Maybe that’s why they’re becoming ‘unusual.’ Platforms are scared we won’t pay attention. Prove them wrong, people!
9. The emotional stakes feel higher
In a show with one lead, you know they’re going to survive. In a multi-strand ensemble, anyone could be the one to have the total breakdown or the life-changing epiphany. It keeps the stakes feeling genuinely high because the focus is constantly shifting. You’re never quite sure whose story is going to hit you the hardest next, and that keeps us glued to the screen.
10. It’s the ultimate re-watch bait
You can watch a multi-strand show three times and still find new details. ‘Did you notice that character in the background during the party in episode two?’ It’s a gift that keeps on giving. Shows like Skins are still being discovered by new generations on platforms like Netflix and Channel 4 precisely because there’s so much going on. It’s not just a show; it’s a whole world to get lost in.
11. We deserve more chaos in 2026
Honestly, the world is serious enough. We don’t need every show to be a gritty, single-perspective drama about trauma. Sometimes we want the high-energy, overlapping, music-video-style chaos that only a multi-strand show can provide. Bryan Elsley basically gave us a blueprint for the perfect teen drama, and it’s a shame the industry is moving away from it. Let’s bring back the messy, multi-layered storytelling!
12. Skins really was the GOAT
I’m not saying we need a reboot, but I am saying we need more shows that take risks. If Bryan Elsley says this format is becoming rare, he’s probably right—he literally invented the standard. But if we keep demanding better, more complex stories, maybe the networks will listen. For now, I’ll be re-watching the first two generations of Skins for the millionth time. No cap, it’s still the best thing on TV.
FAQs
Why does Bryan Elsley think multi-strand shows are unusual?
He believes modern TV production has shifted toward more singular, streamlined narratives to fit streaming algorithms. The complexity of managing multiple character arcs is often seen as a risk in the current market, leading to more focused, linear storytelling.
What is the best example of a multi-strand show?
Skins (UK) is widely considered the gold standard. It perfectly juggles the lives of a large ensemble cast, giving each character their own dedicated episode while keeping the overarching group dynamic front and center for the entire series.
Are multi-strand shows making a comeback?
It’s hard to say! While streaming favors simple, bingeable content, there is a loud audience segment craving the chaotic energy of ensemble dramas. If creators follow Elsley’s lead, we might see a resurgence in character-heavy, multi-perspective series soon.
There you have it! The multi-strand format might be ‘unusual’ according to the experts, but it’s still the gold standard for drama in my book. We need more chaos, more overlapping storylines, and more ensemble casts that actually make us feel something. What do you think? Are you team multi-strand or do you prefer a single lead? Let us know in the comments!
