
The Kings of TV and Their Unusual Habit
Robert and Michelle King are no strangers to success. From The Good Wife to The Good Fight and now Elsbeth, their work has redefined legal dramas for the modern viewer. But what really sets them apart? One small, surprising habit: they still watch every single daily—yes, all of them.
Why would creators at the top of their game spend hours watching unedited footage, take after take? Well, let’s unpack that.
What Are Dailies, Anyway?
If you’re not in the film or TV biz, the term “dailies” might sound like a breakfast cereal. In reality, dailies are the raw, uncut footage shot during a day of production. It’s where you get to see every blooper, every magic moment, and every bit of nuance.
Not Every Creator Watches Dailies—Here’s Why the Kings Do
Many modern showrunners delegate this task. But not the Kings. They believe it keeps them grounded in the material. Watching dailies isn’t just about quality control—it’s about staying in the trenches with their team.
A Throwback Approach in a Digital World
In an age when directors can skim summaries or rely on editors, the Kings take a hands-on approach. They treat their shows like handcrafted art. For them, every second of footage might hold a treasure—something spontaneous the script didn’t predict.
Quality Over Convenience
Let’s be real—watching dailies takes time. It’s tedious. But that’s the point. The Kings are obsessed with maintaining their show’s integrity. If a character’s emotional arc veers off course or if a joke doesn’t land, they catch it before the edit is locked.
The Power of Micro-Details
Ever wonder how Elsbeth strikes that perfect balance between quirky charm and procedural tension? That level of precision doesn’t happen by accident. By watching dailies, the Kings can spot micro-emotions, subtle gestures, and actor chemistry that others might miss.
Respecting the Craft of Performance
Actors notice when creators care. Watching dailies is a silent way of saying, “We see you.” For performers like Carrie Preston, who plays Elsbeth with delightful nuance, it means everything. The Kings’ attention empowers actors to take risks.
Staying Ahead of Continuity Errors
Continuity errors are TV’s silent assassins. Watching dailies helps prevent those awkward moments when a prop moves between shots or a character magically changes outfits. The Kings catch those mistakes before they hit the editing room.
They’re Not Just Watching—They’re Listening
It’s not just about visuals. The Kings pay close attention to audio: tone, pacing, delivery. If a line feels flat or a punchline is mistimed, they can rework it while reshoots are still possible. That’s surgical-level storytelling.
The Directors Love It (Even If They Won’t Admit It)
Some directors may feel nervous knowing the showrunners are scrutinizing every take. But in reality, it creates a culture of excellence. Everyone brings their A-game, knowing Robert and Michelle are watching with intention—not judgment.
They’re Protecting Their Vision
TV shows aren’t made by one person. They’re made by armies. Watching dailies helps the Kings ensure that Elsbeth stays true to its tone and theme. It’s how they guard the soul of the show from getting lost in production chaos.
Time-Intensive? Sure. Worth It? Absolutely.
Yes, it’s time-consuming. Yes, it’s rare. But for the Kings, it’s worth every minute. They view dailies like daily pages of a novel. Would an author skip reading their own words? Not if they want greatness.
Fans Reap the Benefits
You may not realize it, but when you’re laughing at Elsbeth’s oddball charm or tearing up during a courtroom showdown, you’re witnessing the payoff. That extra layer of polish? That’s what watching dailies gives you.
They’ve Been Doing This Since The Good Wife
This isn’t a new habit. It’s part of their DNA. From their earliest shows, they’ve prioritized being present with the footage. That consistency is a big reason their shows have longevity and loyal fan bases.
A Love Letter to Television
At its core, this practice is about love. Love for storytelling. For characters. For the audience. The Kings don’t watch dailies because they have to—they do it because they care deeply about what they’re making.

A Ritual That Pays Off in Creative Gold
Just like chefs taste every dish or athletes review every play, the Kings immerse themselves in the process. Watching dailies is their creative ritual—and it’s working.
Conclusion: The Art of Not Skipping the Details
In a world obsessed with shortcuts, Robert and Michelle King are proof that craft still matters. By watching every daily, they stay intimately connected to their vision. That attention shows up in every frame of Elsbeth—and that’s why fans keep coming back.