1) What is serial television drama? Write your own definition.
A serial drama is a drama that has a continuous plot that unfolds as the show goes on.
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 and Minder, genre has evolved a lot over time they have been able to build more suspense by having cold openings which is when a bit of the episode is shown before the this is done to create suspense.
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.
Teen: River-dale
Family: Master chef
Medical:Casualty
Period (costume): Flash
Science-fiction/fantasy: Black mirror
4) Why is setting so important for TV drama?
Settings are very important for TV dramas because they help to create a narrative and bring everything to live, a lot of shows will have a certain place which is shown every episode and this helps us too feel closer with the cast.
5) How do TV dramas typically use character? What audience pleasures can be linked to character in TV drama? (Hint: Uses & Gratifications theory!)
Recently in shows there are ensemble casts which means that we are able to get attached to the cast easily and we will feel more attached to all of them. The Gratifications theory is that we will get closer to the cast and feel attached to them.
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 a show has different narratives each episode usually as well as a main narrative also an example of this is is the show flash.
7) What is a cold opening?
A cold opening is when they shows a scene before the title appears on screen and this is done mainly to create suspense and create a narrative to the show.
8) How can Todorov's theory of equilibrium be applied to TV drama serials?
The equilibrium is when everything is going fine but then something goes wrong therefore that will be the disequilibrium which will cause everything to be unbalanced and will most likeley lead to the new equilibrium
9) What is the typical form for TV dramas and how are the programmes typically distributed to an audience?
Most TV shows are presented in series/seasons if a show does well in the first season than it will most likely be renewed for another season. An episode is usually 40 minutes long and usually has 2 breaks in between for advertisements
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?
Because of Netflix and amazon prime people no longer have to wait a certain time to watch their show, for example they can stream their shows on Netflix and binge watch whole seasons instead of waiting everyday for a certain time for the show to come on.
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.
The Flash
Setting
The flash is based in america however almost every episode has a scene based in STAR labs which is where the team discuss everything.
Characters
The flash have an ensemble cast mainly around 5 of them who all work together to solve crime and make sure that everyone is safe.
Narrative
The show has a multi strand narrative however usually each season there is a big narrative that runs throughout the whole season however each episode has a different narrative.
12) How might the TV drama genre evolve in future?
I think everything will head towards a similar path to Netflix and eventually there wont be much streaming left and you will be able to watch any show you want any time.
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