Final answer:
Good TV is compared to the writing of Charles Dickens because of his significant influence on character development and his ability to create complex, interweaving storylines that delve into social issues, similar to the multi-layered narratives in quality television today.
Step-by-step explanation:
People often compare good TV to the writing of Charles Dickens due to Dickens' influence on character development and his unique storytelling style. Dickens was a master at creating vivid and detailed pictures of contemporary society in his time, utilizing exact visual descriptions of people and places down to the smallest detail. He was able to intertwine the main plot with various sub-plots and side stories, allowing readers to explore different directions while still moving forward with the central storyline. This is reflective of the layered and complex narratives often found in quality television shows today. Moreover, Dickens' works often dealt with social issues and the human condition, themes that are also commonly explored in television dramas.