I get this sentiment, but man, there are some really great, high quality (cinematography, acting, sound, creativity) tv shows being made today, albeit most on streaming/premium services. I've experienced tv that has moved me as much, if not more than many books I've read. To think that this medium is mindless or unnecessary completely undermines so much of the art and thought that goes into crafting some of these shows. I think the issue is drawing the line between film made as art, and the sort of vapid shows that this quote is most likely referring to.
Or the upcoming adams-westworld crossover where George III reveals that america is a theme park, the revolution has been fought many times and memory-wiped, and he only fought the war to get the americans past their julian jaynes preconsciousness.
(Of course this is revealed through G-III interviewing a nude john adams on a stool).
-David McCullough
Unless it's the HBO miniseries "John Adams", based on his book!