Introduction to TV Drama

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

A TV show which has a continuous story line and is given from episode to episode . 

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?

Starsky and Hutch (1975-1979)

The A-Team (1983-1987)

The Avengers (1961-1969)

Danger Man (1962-1968)

Minder (1979 – 1994)

Genre has become more of a open word and is commonly used across all of TV drama in order to connote themes .

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): Top Boy

Medical: The good doctor 

Period (costume): Belgravia

Science-fiction/fantasy: Stranger things

Family: The burial 

Teen: Outer banks 

4) Why is setting so important for TV drama?

It creates the ideology towards the theme for the audience .

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 typically use character in order to cause audiences to build relationships and further making them attached to the dramas .

6) What is a multi-strand narrative? Give an example of a TV drama that features a multi-strand narrative.

When the narrative structure doesn't follow one storyline . Eastenders .

7) What is a cold opening?

A cold open is a narrative technique used in television and films. It is the practice of jumping directly into a story at the beginning of the show before the title sequence or opening credits are shown.

8) How can Todorov's theory of equilibrium be applied to TV drama serials?

The equilibrium is when there is peace then a disequilibrium which is a cause of destruction or disettlement followed by a new equilibrium which is the return of peace . This structure is commonly followed within TV drama serials . 

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

Multi-strand narratives . Programmes are typically distributed through  satellite direct-to-home. terrestrial networks  

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?

Shows are uploaded in seasons meaning a mass of episodes are uploaded that cause binge watching which opposes the authentic way of watching content which was primarily through weekly episodes . 

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.

Top Boy : 

Setting ; Hackney 

Characters ; Sully , Dushane , Jamie 

Narrative ; protagonists, anti-heroes, and London drug dealers

Form ; Gang violence issues 

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

TV drama genre might adapt to real world situations and genres we experience today might be classed as classics .