Introduction to TV Drama

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1) What is serial television drama? Write your own definition.
Drama serials tell a a story which then results to a resolution. Typically book adaptations are made into drama serials were the narrative expands over a set number of episodes


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?
ABC’s The Avengers (1961-1969), Hill Street Blues (1981-1987), Starsky and Hutch (1975-1979), Knots, The A-Team (1983-1987),Landing (1979-1993).


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.
Police Procedural (crime): criminal minds
Medical: greys anatomy 
Period (costume): Bridgerton/reign
Science-fiction/fantasy: game of thrones/ Vikings
Family: The fosters 
Teen: Gilmore girls/ one tree hill


4) Why is setting so important for TV drama?
They bring familiarity to an audience almost like a homebase or a home like a the Tardis in doctor who


5) How do TV dramas typically use character? What audience pleasures can be linked to character in TV drama? (Hint: Uses & Gratifications theory!)
They make the characters more relatable so the audience identify with them and their situations or build a personal relationship with them


6) What is a multi-strand narrative? Give an example of a TV drama that features a multi-strand narrative.
A multistrand narrative is when there is more than one storyline. Game of throne has multiple storylines and all the main characters are in different areas and situations


7) What is a cold opening?
When the episode starts with the problem/conflict to hook an audience from the beginning 


8) How can Todorov's theory of equilibrium be applied to TV drama serials?
Equilibrium and order in the beginning and then the conflict/disequilibrium occurs however the resolution doesn't usually happen at the end of the same episode to keep the audience hooked for more answers


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

In the UK, many serial dramas fill one-hour or a ‘commercial hour’ (about 50 minutes), with some dramas commissioned to span a two-hour slot.

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 as commercial networks like ABC & CBS, hence their dramas allow for a lot more adult and challenging 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.
Game of thrones

SETTING: A fantasy country called Westeros set in 298 A.C 

CHARACTERS: The stark children, Daenerys Targaryen and the Lannister family are focused on more and have a bigger impact on the narrative compared to other supporting characters  

NARRATIVE: The noble houses/families of Westeros fight for power relevance and ultimately the iron throne The conflict leads to betrayal blood shed and 

FORM: distributor:  HBO  Running time: between 50 and 82 minutes


12) How might the TV drama genre evolve in future?
Online programme makers are starting to create more short form content, leading to drama serials that run for much less than 60, or even, 30 minutes. As audiences consume content in different ways serial dramas may become more diverse and targeted toward niche groups.


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