Why does it sound like there is a constant rumble of explosions and collisions in the background of virtually every modern drama or action series commercial spot? When did that become almost ubiquitous? It's been that way for a while, but in the last few years it seems like every single spot has the same background rumble/roar in it.

Off the top of my head, I would guess that the production companies know that more and more households have surround sound or at the very least a sound bar. An overly dramatic rumble into the sub and background speakers is probably a cheap effect to add into the sound mixing.

You noticed it, so it worked.

JCRiley09 said:

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Off the top of my head, I would guess that the production companies know that more and more households have surround sound or at the very least a sound bar. An overly dramatic rumble into the sub and background speakers is probably a cheap effect to add into the sound mixing.

You noticed it, so it worked.

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Except that fewer and fewer shows are consumed on 'the big living room TV' today with more and more people under the age of 30 watching their content on a laptop/tablet/phone or other type of non TV screen.

I see that the OP has been watching the NFL playoffs.