Ever wondered what makes a TV show consistently brilliant from episode to episode? While some showrunners take a hands-off approach, Robert and Michelle King, the masterminds behind CBS’s quirky procedural ‘Elsbeth’, go all in. And by “all in,” we mean watching every single daily—the raw, unedited footage shot each day.
Why? What drives them to stay so involved when many creators delegate this to editors or assistants?
Let’s dive deep into the Kings’ creative process and explore why their daily-watching habit might just be the magic behind the charm and precision of Elsbeth.
📽️ What Are Dailies, Anyway?
Understanding the Basics of Dailies
Dailies (also known as rushes) are the unedited clips filmed during a production day, usually reviewed by directors, cinematographers, and editors. But for the Kings, it’s more than just a technical check—it’s their creative compass.
👑 Meet the Creative Power Duo: Robert and Michelle King
Who Are Robert and Michelle King?
If you’re unfamiliar with the Kings, they’re the award-winning writers and producers behind hits like The Good Wife, The Good Fight, and now Elsbeth. They’ve been redefining legal drama with a unique mix of intelligence, wit, and just the right dose of eccentricity.
🎥 Why Watch Dailies at All?
The Big Question — Why Do It?
Watching dailies gives showrunners a raw, immediate look at performance, tone, and pacing. For the Kings, it’s about ensuring every moment aligns with their vision—and catching potential issues before they become costly.
🧠 It’s About Creative Control
Maintaining the Show’s Unique Voice
Elsbeth is unlike typical crime dramas—it’s colorful, offbeat, and character-driven. Watching dailies helps the Kings protect the tonal balance that makes the show stand out.
⏱️ Real-Time Course Correction
Fixing Problems Before They Snowball
Dailies let the Kings spot inconsistencies, weak performances, or technical glitches early. This way, they can redirect or reshoot before too much time (and money) is wasted.
📏 Consistency Is Key
Keeping the Narrative Flow Smooth
In episodic storytelling, one awkward scene can throw off an entire arc. By watching dailies, the Kings ensure that character development stays on track, and narrative threads remain tight and purposeful.
🎭 Spotting Hidden Gold in Performances
Letting Actors Shine Naturally
Sometimes, actors deliver unexpected brilliance in a take that might be overlooked. The Kings, being deeply invested, can spot these gems and adjust scripts or edits to highlight them.
🤝 Collaboration Made Stronger
Dailies Create a Shared Vision
By watching dailies, Robert and Michelle can communicate with directors, editors, and actors with precise feedback. It fosters a collaborative environment grounded in shared expectations.
📡 Staying Connected While Delegating
Keeping a Finger on the Pulse
Even if they’re not physically on set, dailies keep the Kings plugged into every creative decision—without micromanaging.
🌀 How This Influences the Final Product
Why Elsbeth Feels So Polished
Fans have praised Elsbeth for being sharp, coherent, and tonally unique. That’s no accident. The Kings’ obsession with dailies means the end result feels like a unified vision, not a patchwork of creative compromises.
💡 What Other Showrunners Can Learn From This
Inspiration for Future Creators
While watching every daily may not be feasible for all, the takeaway is clear: staying intimately involved breeds better storytelling.
👀 Behind the Scenes: The Kings’ Daily Routine
A Glimpse Into Their Workflow
It’s not just about clicking “play” and watching mindlessly. The Kings analyze tone, pacing, chemistry, camera work—every detail matters. They take notes. They compare takes. They question everything. And then… they rewrite if needed.
⚖️ The Balance Between Art and Efficiency
Is It Worth the Time Investment?
Absolutely. For the Kings, quality control now saves post-production headaches later. And for viewers, it means every episode feels tight, purposeful, and immersive.
📈 Audience Impact: Why You Can Tell the Difference
How This Habit Translates On-Screen
Viewers may not realize it consciously, but the consistent tone, stellar acting, and fluid storytelling are all products of meticulous oversight—a.k.a. watching the dailies.
🚪 Final Thoughts: The Kings’ Secret Weapon
Dailies = Dedication
To sum it up? Watching dailies isn’t just about being picky—it’s a power move. Robert and Michelle King use this old-school tactic to deliver new-school brilliance with every episode of Elsbeth.
Their creative process is proof that attention to detail, even in an era of automation, still reigns supreme.
🔚 Conclusion: Watching Dailies Keeps ‘Elsbeth’ Fresh, Fun, and Flawless
Robert and Michelle King don’t just make TV—they craft experiences. And one of their greatest tools is simply this: watching dailies. Every. Single. One.
It’s a rare level of commitment that pays off in depth, clarity, and originality—qualities that keep Elsbeth miles ahead of cookie-cutter crime shows.
So next time you’re watching an episode and feel like everything just clicks—now you know why.
