Introduction to TV dramas
Use our Media Factsheet archive on the M: drive Media Shared (M:\Resources\A Level\Media Factsheets) or on Google Drive here (you'll need your Greenford Google login) to find Media Factsheet #164 on Television Serial Drama.
Read the whole of Factsheet and answer the following questions to show your comprehensive knowledge of the television drama genre:
1) What is serial television drama? Write your own definition.
It tells a narrative with a conflict or problem tat is solved which follows a narrative arc, stringing across commonly, a multi-strand narrative.
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?
Most dramas have a criteria of having a narrative arc, a conflict or issue appears, and then is resolved.This would continue to repeat with different episodes having different narratives.
It tells a narrative with a conflict or problem tat is solved which follows a narrative arc, stringing across commonly, a multi-strand narrative.
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?
Most dramas have a criteria of having a narrative arc, a conflict or issue appears, and then is resolved.This would continue to repeat with different episodes having different narratives.
Hill street blues focused on multiple different characters with their own individual qualities and story. This ensemble cast provided integrity and a more fleshed out characters. Hill street blues also strayed from the formula of dramas keeping their issues resolved within the same episode, as many issues continued for several episodes before being resolved/
3) List the sub-genres of TV drama featured in the factsheet. Come up with your own example of an existing TV drama to fit each category.
4) Why is setting so important for TV drama?
Setting is important because it prevents dramas from going stale, and iallows it to develop over a long period of time
5) How do TV dramas typically use character? What audience pleasures can be linked to character in TV drama? (Hint: Uses & Gratifications theory!)
6) What is a multi-strand narrative? Give an example of a TV drama that features a multi-strand narrative.
This is when multiple narratives are unfolding together through character's but leads to one main narrative. For example in Capital
7) What is a cold opening?
A teaser or a hook in the beginning of the opening
8) How can Todorov's theory of equilibrium be applied to TV drama serials?
Equillibrium being reached commonly at the end drives the plots forwards.
9) What is the typical form for TV dramas and how are the programmes typically distributed to an audience?
In the US, major networks air 24-episode drama series with 42-minute runtimes to allow for ads, leading to simpler stories
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?
12) How might the TV drama genre evolve in future?
3) List the sub-genres of TV drama featured in the factsheet. Come up with your own example of an existing TV drama to fit each category.
4) Why is setting so important for TV drama?
Setting is important because it prevents dramas from going stale, and iallows it to develop over a long period of time
5) How do TV dramas typically use character? What audience pleasures can be linked to character in TV drama? (Hint: Uses & Gratifications theory!)
6) What is a multi-strand narrative? Give an example of a TV drama that features a multi-strand narrative.
This is when multiple narratives are unfolding together through character's but leads to one main narrative. For example in Capital
7) What is a cold opening?
A teaser or a hook in the beginning of the opening
8) How can Todorov's theory of equilibrium be applied to TV drama serials?
Equillibrium being reached commonly at the end drives the plots forwards.
9) What is the typical form for TV dramas and how are the programmes typically distributed to an audience?
In the US, major networks air 24-episode drama series with 42-minute runtimes to allow for ads, leading to simpler stories
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 series on subscription channels like HBO and AMC aren’t restricted by the same rules, allowing for more mature content
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.SETTING:
Albuquerque, New Mexico.
CHARACTERS:
- Walter White – A chemistry teacher.
- Jesse Pinkman – Walt’s former student.
- Hank Schrader – Walt’s DEA agent brother-in-law.
- Skyler White – Walt’s wife.
NARRATIVE:
Walter White, a struggling teacher, turns into a dangerous criminal after being diagnosed with cancer. His journey is full of tough choices, betrayals, and violence.
FORM:
- Combines single episodes with a bigger season-long story, 5 seasons with long episodes.
12) How might the TV drama genre evolve in future?
As TV gets bigger and more global, there’s a cause for concern that smaller, local stories are being left behind.
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