Serial TV Drama

LO: to explore the TV drama genre and conventions

What is the difference between a TV Drama and a Soap Opera?

Drama: Contains a series of real life situations which are exaggerated yet relatable, through the use of: themes, settings, issues and narrative. Intended to be more serious than humorous.

What is the difference between a TV Drama and Serial TV Drama?

Serial TV drama is defined as any television drama that is organised into a series of episodes (as opposed to one-off dramas). Typically, a series contains between 3 and 12 episodes. A serial has a continuing plot that unfolds in a sequential episode-by-episode fashion. Serials typically follow main story arcs that span an entire season, or even the full run of the series, which distinguishes them from traditional episodic television that relies on more stand-alone episodes.

What sub genres can you divide TV drama into?

Crime drama:
- NCIS
- CSI
- Criminal Minds
- Dexter
- Law and Order
- Hawaii Five-0
- Hannibal

Period drama:
- Rome
- Downton Abbey
- The Crown
- Call the Midwife

Teen drama:
- Stranger Things
- Vampire Diaries
- Teen Wolf
- Glee

Medical drama:
- Greys Anatomy
- ER
- House
- Scrubs

Science-Fiction drama:
- Black Mirror
- Marvel: Agents of S.H.I.E.LD.
- The X-Files
- The Flash

Fantasy drama:
- Lucifer
- Doctor Who
- Supernatural
- Game of Thrones

Political drama:
- House of Cards
- Veep
- Madam Secretary



Serial and Series both contain the same characters each week.
A SERIAL has a narrative that continues from episode to episode
A SERIES contains the same characters throughout, but each episode is a different story. So, you can start watching a series casually from any episode.

Serial dramas are popular with TV broadcasters because they offer a range of appeals:
-Familiar characters/stars - audience
-Familiar locations - audience
-Familiar narrative lines - audience
-Diversion/Entertainment - audience
-Social identity - audience
-Known and specific audience - advertisers