Is there any real substance left in American entertainment?

It's difficult to make a blanket statement about the state of American entertainment as there are many different types of media and genres to consider. While it's true that there is a lot of mindless entertainment out there, there are also plenty of examples of substantive, thought-provoking works in film, television, and literature.

For example, recent critically acclaimed TV shows such as The Wire, The Sopranos, and Breaking Bad have explored complex themes and characters in a way that is both entertaining and intellectually stimulating. In the film industry, independent films and documentaries continue to tackle important issues and challenge societal norms.

That being said, it can be argued that there is a tendency in American entertainment to prioritize profit over substance. Big-budget blockbusters and reality TV shows often dominate the mainstream, leaving less room for more substantive works to gain popularity.