introduction to TV Drama

 1) What is serial television drama? Write your own definition.

it tells a story, and delivers narrative resolution, in a number of parts over a period of time. Typically, adaptions of novels have been serialised for television and broadcast 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? 
ABC’s The Avengers (1961-1969) and Danger Man (1962-1968) being notable examples. Euston Films, creators of
The Sweeney (1975-1978) and Minder (1979 – 1994),
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.

4) Why is setting so important for TV drama?
Setting. Serial dramas play out in a ‘precinct’ or communal location inhabited by the ensemble cast of characters.
5) How do TV dramas typically use character? What audience pleasures can be linked to character in TV drama? (Hint: Uses & Gratifications theory!)
Characters. As broadcasters seek to ensure that their most successful brands run for as long as possible it is necessary to populate them with a large cast of characters, much like soap operas. In a similar vein to soaps, serial dramas often employ archetypal characters.
personal identity 
personal relationship

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 a storytelling structure that follows several storylines at the same time, often involving different characters, such as in Game of Thrones.
7) What is a cold opening?
A cold opening is when a TV drama begins with action or drama before the title sequence
8) How can Todorov's theory of equilibrium be applied to TV drama serials?
Todorov’s theory applies to TV dramas because equilibrium is repeatedly disrupted across episodes and series to maintain audience interest.
9) What is the typical form for TV dramas and how are the programmes typically distributed to an audience?                             TV dramas usually have episodic or serial formats and are distributed through scheduled broadcasts, streaming services, and on-demand platforms.

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 have enabled higher production values, more complex narratives
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.


CASUALTY (1986 –present)  

setting  The accident and emergency department of the fictional Holby City Hospital, set in the south- west of England.       

characters Follows the professional and personal lives of the medical and ancillary staff of the A&E department.
N o t a b l e c h a r a c t e r s include Senior Charge Nurse Charlie Fairhead and Consultant Connie
Beauchamp.

narrative Story of the week format, comprising of two or more guest stories and ongoing serial beats.



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

As a public service broadcaster, the BBC is also likely to take a few more risks in creating serials outside of the tried and tested genres.

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