Before diving into their daily-watching obsession, let’s take a quick look at the masterminds behind Elsbeth. Robert and Michelle King are no strangers to television greatness. You probably know them best from The Good Wife, The Good Fight, and now, Elsbeth. They’re a powerhouse duo known for blending smart writing with gripping storytelling—and for being ridiculously detail-oriented.
🧠 What Are Dailies, Anyway?
Dailies, also called rushes, are the raw, unedited footage shot during a day of filming. Think of them as a behind-the-scenes peek at a movie or episode before it becomes binge-worthy TV.
They’re typically used to:
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Check if a scene was captured correctly
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Spot technical glitches
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Evaluate performances
But for the Kings, they’re not just a tool. They’re a ritual.
🎥 The King Couple’s Creative Process—A Daily Affair
While most showrunners delegate the tedious task of reviewing dailies, the Kings do the exact opposite. They watch every single take, every single day. That’s not just dedication—that’s obsession with craft.
🔍 Why Watch Every Daily?
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To Catch the Magic: Sometimes, actors deliver subtle, gold-standard performances that could be easily overlooked. Watching dailies ensures nothing extraordinary slips through the cracks.
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To Stay Hands-On: It keeps them deeply connected to the tone and rhythm of the show. No creative drift allowed.
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To Spot Problems Early: Issues with lighting, dialogue, or pacing? They fix it before it snowballs into post-production nightmares.
💡 How It Sets ‘Elsbeth’ Apart
Elsbeth is quirky, smart, and bursting with personality. Much like the Kings themselves.
🎭 Performance Precision
Robert and Michelle know exactly when a character needs to lean into eccentricity—or pull it back. Dailies give them that insight.
🎬 Keeping the Vision Intact
From script to screen, watching dailies ensures that the essence of their writing isn’t lost in translation.
🛠️ A Filmmaking Tool Most Ignore—But They Don’t
Let’s be real. Watching dailies every day isn’t exactly glamorous. It’s time-consuming, repetitive, and sometimes, just plain boring. But the Kings treat it like sacred ground. It’s their way of staying grounded in the creative process.
📈 The Impact on the Crew and Cast
👀 Performers Step Up
Knowing the creators are watching every frame? That raises the bar. Actors bring their A-game, knowing nothing gets past the Kings.
🎨 Editors Stay Inspired
Editors love working with them. Why? Because the dailies are full of unexpected gems the Kings encourage them to explore.
🧩 Obsessive? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely.
This isn’t just about being control freaks. It’s about staying creatively awake. Watching dailies keeps the Kings intimately tuned in to their show’s soul.
🚀 The Real Secret Behind Their Success
It’s not luck. It’s not even just talent. It’s discipline. Watching dailies every day might seem excessive, but in an industry where shortcuts are common, their commitment is rare—and powerful.
🧬 Crafting a Cohesive Narrative
Dailies reveal the nuances of storytelling. The Kings use them to check for continuity, emotional arcs, and scene transitions. Think of it as tightening every screw on a machine—until it runs like silk.
🎙️ Listening to the Unspoken
Sometimes, it’s not what’s said—but how it’s said. Facial expressions. Pauses. Eyebrow lifts. The Kings study every frame to decide what stays and what goes.
🧠 Mental Exhaustion or Creative Fuel?
Let’s be honest—it must be exhausting. But for Robert and Michelle, it’s also energizing. Watching dailies isn’t just about spotting errors—it’s about getting inspired every single day.
🧰 A Masterclass in Quality Control
🔧 Fix Small Issues Before They Grow
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Sound inconsistencies
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Awkward blocking
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Lighting mishaps
All these get caught early, saving money and headaches later.
📐 Maintain Tone and Mood
By staying close to the raw footage, the Kings ensure the tone stays consistent—whether it’s humor, tension, or emotional depth.
👩💼 How Other Showrunners Can Learn From the Kings
Not everyone has the stamina to watch dailies religiously. But the principle? Staying hands-on, being present, caring deeply—that’s something all creatives can adopt.
💥 The ‘Elsbeth’ Effect on Modern TV
Their approach is quietly influencing the industry. More creators are realizing that detachment doesn’t build greatness. Intimacy with the process does.
🪄 What This Says About Their Passion
At the end of the day, watching dailies is a love letter to the process. It’s the Kings saying: We care. About every scene. Every line. Every look. And honestly? It shows.
✨ Conclusion: Perfection Lies in the Details
Robert and Michelle King don’t just create shows—they craft experiences. Their commitment to watching dailies isn’t about control—it’s about connection. It’s about staying emotionally invested in their art and giving their audience something extraordinary.
In an era where speed often trumps quality, the Kings’ process is a reminder that great storytelling is built, frame by frame.
