Introduction to TV Drama: Blog tasks

 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.

Serial television drama is a type of TV drama that tells a continuing story across several episodes. Characters and storylines develop over time, and episodes usually end with cliff-hangers to encourage audiences to keep watching.

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?

Examples of TV dramas include The Avengers, Danger Man, Starsky and Hutch, Hill Street Blues, and Dallas. Over time, TV drama has changed from simple “story of the week” episodes to more complex serials with ongoing storylines and deeper character development.

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.
TV dramas from the history of the genre include The Avengers Danger Man Starsky and Hutch Hill Street Blues and Dallas. The genre has changed from simple episodes with clear endings to longer stories that develop characters over time.


4) Why is setting so important for TV drama?
Setting is important because it gives the drama a main place where characters meet and interact. This helps the story continue over many episodes.

5) How do TV dramas typically use character? What audience pleasures can be linked to character in TV drama? (Hint: Uses & Gratifications theory!)
TV dramas use recurring characters who change and develop over time. Audiences enjoy relating to characters escaping into their world and being entertained by their journeys.

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 when more than one storyline happens at the same time. An example is Downton Abbey.

7) What is a cold opening?
A cold opening is a short scene at the start of an episode before the titles. It is used to hook the audience.

8) How can Todorov's theory of equilibrium be applied to TV drama serials?
Todorov’s theory applies because TV dramas start with balance then move into disruption. The balance is often not restored until much later.

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 episodes that last around 45 to 60 minutes. They are released in seasons on TV channels or streaming services.

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?

Subscription channels and streaming services allow TV dramas to be more complex and adult. They also allow shorter seasons and flexible episode lengths.

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.

Stranger Things is set in a small American town in the 1980s. It uses a group of main characters and tells one continuing story across a series. It is distributed on Netflix.

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

In the future TV drama may become shorter more experimental and aimed at smaller audiences. Streaming services will continue to shape the genre.

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