Introduction to TV drama

An introduction to TV Drama: Blog task

1) What is serial television drama? Write your own definition.

A serial is a television show which has a continuous plot that unfolds in sequential episode-by-episode fashion.

2) List five of the TV dramas discussed in the history of the genre on page 1 of the factsheet. How has the genre evolved over time?

• Doctor Who
• The Avengers 
• Danger Man
• The Sweeney 
• Minder

Until the early 1980s US TV drama series followed a set narrative structure. However the US police drama Hill Street Blues changed the shape of TV drama series- effectively transforming it into a serial. The drama focused on a precinct of characters, not just the protagonist.

3) List the sub-genres of TV drama featured in the factsheet. Come up with your own example of an existing TV dramas to fit each category.

• Crime - Luther
• Medical - Grey's Anatomy
• Period (costume) - 
• Sci-fi - Doctor Who
• Family - The Fresh Prince of Bel Air
• Teen - Pretty Little Liars

4) Why is setting so important for TV drama?

Settings are important for TV drama because they often take place in recognisable locations. The setting typically reflects what sub-genre the drama falls under, which informs the audience of what the show may be like. Also, the iconography of the settings can help to communicate information about the plot to the audience, enabling them to develop narrative expectations.

5) How do TV dramas typically use character? What audience pleasures can be linked to character in TV drama? (Hint: Uses & Gratifications theory!)

Serial dramas often employ archetypal characters. In sub-genres characters are frequently deployed. Likewise, to reflect modern audiences, there is a greater presence of strong females as well as black and ethnic minority groups. There are also an increase in gay, lesbian and transsexual characters.( Orange is the New Black). The character go on in a journey, allowing them to change and develop- although not too much. These are called arcs. Additionally, this allows people to have a personal relationship with the characters.

6) What is a multi-strand narrative? Give an example of a TV drama that features a multi-strand narrative.

A multi-strand narrative is a work made up of several different strands - an example is EastEnders.

7) What is a cold opening?

A cold opening is when the drama employs a teaser at the beginning to hook the audience and keep them watching. This generates enigma or intrigue before the title sequence or first commercial break.

8) How can Todorov's theory of equilibrium be applied to TV drama serials?

TV dramas follow Todorovs narratives stages because at the beginning there is usually an existing state of harmony, then the disequilibrium, however they don't return to the equilibrium/new equilibrium at the end of each episode. Many police dramas provide narrative resolution to fulfil the audiences answers.

9) What is the typical form for TV dramas and how are the programmes typically distributed to an audience?

TV dramas are usually shown in seasons that are composed of different episodes. The length of each episode/ the season varies for each drama. Dramas shown on mainstream commercial networks (such as CBS) usually do not have excessive swearing/ violence etc. Unorthodox shows that contain anti-hero protagonists are not shown on these networks because advertisers would be reluctant to associate their brands with the content.

10) How have subscription channels (such as HBO) and streaming services (such as Netflix and Amazon Prime) changed the form and content of TV dramas?

Drama serials presented on subscription cable channels, such as HBO, AMC and Showtime are not governed by the same considerations, hence their dramas allow a lot more adult and challenging content. Also, cable channels and services like Netflix and Amazon Prime also often commission shorter runs and do not need to stick to rigid timings.

11) Choose a TV drama and do your own analysis of it using the SETTING / CHARACTERS / NARRATIVE / FORM headings as featured on page 3 of the factsheet.

How to get away with murder:

Setting: It is set mainly at a university and in the main character's house. It is supposed to be set in Philadelphia but is actually filmed in Los Angeles.

Characters: The university lecturer is the main character followed by her two assistants and group of five under graduates who get people out of trouble and put themselves in trouble.

Narrative: Every episode is a continue from the last episode - there is a set narrative which is followed throughout the series.

Form: Original network - ABC       Distributors- Disney-ABC Domestic Television        Running time - 45 minutes

12) How might the TV drama genre evolve in future?

In the future, it is likely that streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime continue to become increasingly popular. As a result of this, short form content is also likely to be consumed more by audiences which means that serial dramas may be targeted towards niche groups.