Television series

Definition

A television series is a sequence of episodes that are aired on television, typically focusing on a consistent storyline, characters, and themes. These series can vary in length, genre, and format, and they often aim to engage viewers over multiple installments, creating a narrative that unfolds over time. The format allows for deeper character development and complex storytelling, which can extend across seasons.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Television series can be categorized into different genres such as drama, comedy, thriller, or sci-fi, each with its own conventions and audience expectations.
2. Many modern television series utilize cliffhangers at the end of episodes to encourage viewers to continue watching and create anticipation for the next installment.
3. The rise of streaming services has transformed the landscape of television series by enabling the release of entire seasons at once, leading to new viewing habits like binge-watching.
4. A successful television series often builds a dedicated fanbase that engages with the content beyond just viewing, including discussions on social media and participation in fan communities.
5. Transmedia storytelling has become increasingly common in television series, where narratives expand across different media platforms such as books, games, or web content to create a richer world.

Review Questions

• How does the episodic structure of a television series impact character development and storytelling?
  • The episodic structure allows for gradual character development over time as viewers get to know characters through multiple episodes. This format enables writers to explore complex narratives and relationships without rushing the storyline. Each episode can introduce new challenges or deepen existing conflicts, creating layers in character arcs that resonate with the audience.
• Discuss the role of a showrunner in shaping the direction and success of a television series.
  • A showrunner is pivotal in determining the creative vision and coherence of a television series. They oversee the writing team, manage production logistics, and make critical decisions about casting and direction. Their leadership influences not only the show's narrative quality but also its overall reception by audiences and critics alike. A strong showrunner can establish a distinctive voice that makes a series stand out in a crowded market.
• Evaluate how binge-watching has changed audience engagement with television series and the implications for transmedia storytelling.
  • Binge-watching has significantly altered how audiences interact with television series by allowing them to consume entire seasons in one go. This shift changes the pacing at which stories unfold and affects viewer anticipation. With viewers often watching several episodes back-to-back, transmedia storytelling becomes vital as it encourages deeper engagement across various platforms. Fans may explore additional content to enhance their understanding of characters or plotlines, enriching their overall experience with the franchise.

Related terms

episodic structure: The organization of a television series into distinct episodes that each contribute to an overarching narrative or theme, allowing for both standalone stories and serialized storytelling.

showrunner: The individual responsible for overseeing the creative direction and management of a television series, often serving as the primary writer and producer.

binge-watching: The practice of watching multiple episodes of a television series in one sitting, often facilitated by streaming platforms that release entire seasons at once.