Multiple Australian outlets discuss how contemporary television writing repeatedly turns to a similar kind of antagonist across different series. The articles point to programs such as Hacks, Morning Wars and The Comeback as examples of shows that, despite differing settings and characters, rely on a common “bogeyman” figure or threat to drive conflict and tension. The coverage frames this pattern as a broader trend in how writers approach storytelling, with the same villain archetype appearing across separate productions rather than being unique to any one plot. The articles do not describe a single, specific character as the villain in all cases. Instead, they focus on recurring narrative functions—how writers use the same broad type of antagonist to reflect audience expectations, provide immediate drama, and concentrate stakes for viewers. Overall, the reports say the repetition suggests an industry-wide influence on character design and conflict, with writers drawing on a familiar villain template that audiences recognize quickly. The theme is presented as an observable pattern across recent shows rather than a claim about one definitive cause.