http://www.wsj.com/articles/how-many-tv-series-can-your-brain-take-1434044239

Are dramas overtaxing their audiences' brains with crowded character ensembles?

If you watch soap operas, you're already used to this. Dallas, Dynasty, Falcon Crest, Desperate Housewives, and all daytime soaps have huge casts and many different stories going at one time.

That's what makes them worth watching. Great characters and great storytelling.

We've always had complex dramas with huge casts, it's just thanks to the Internet and cable, there are tons more to pick and choose from which could make some people feel overwhelmed.