Jason Mittell

Definition

Jason Mittell is a prominent media scholar known for his work on television genres, particularly how they evolve and are classified. He emphasizes the importance of understanding genre not just as fixed categories, but as dynamic systems that change over time, influenced by cultural and industrial practices. His insights into genre theory provide a framework for analyzing how genres adapt and transform in response to societal shifts and audience expectations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mittell argues that genres are not static but instead fluid categories shaped by various factors like audience reception and production practices.
2. He introduces the concept of 'genre systems,' which looks at how different genres can overlap and influence one another, creating hybrid forms.
3. In his work, Mittell discusses the role of networks and platforms in shaping genre expectations, especially in the context of contemporary television.
4. He emphasizes the importance of historical context when analyzing genre evolution, suggesting that genres reflect the socio-political landscape of their time.
5. Mittell's scholarship has significantly impacted how scholars and critics analyze television, moving away from rigid definitions towards a more nuanced understanding of genre.

Review Questions

• How does Jason Mittell's view of genre challenge traditional classifications in television studies?
  • Jason Mittell's perspective on genre challenges traditional classifications by proposing that genres are dynamic rather than fixed. He argues that they evolve in response to cultural changes and audience interactions, which suggests a more fluid understanding of what defines a genre. This challenges the binary or static classifications often used in television studies, promoting a more complex view that considers genre as part of a larger system influenced by multiple factors.
• In what ways does Mittell's concept of 'genre systems' contribute to our understanding of television programming?
  • Mittell's concept of 'genre systems' enhances our understanding of television programming by illustrating how genres can overlap and inform each other. This approach allows for a recognition of hybrid genres that mix elements from different categories, reflecting the complexities of audience expectations and industry practices. By viewing genres as interconnected, it provides a framework to analyze how shows navigate between different styles and conventions, influencing viewer engagement and content production.
• Evaluate the impact of Jason Mittell's scholarship on contemporary television analysis and its relevance to current trends in media.
  • Jason Mittell's scholarship has profoundly influenced contemporary television analysis by reshaping how researchers consider genre and its evolution. His emphasis on historical context, fluidity, and audience interaction is particularly relevant today as streaming services alter viewing habits and genre expectations. As new platforms emerge and genres continue to blend, Mittell's ideas provide valuable tools for understanding the complexities of modern media landscapes, highlighting the ongoing evolution of television as a reflective cultural medium.

Related terms

Genre Theory: A critical approach that examines how genres are defined, classified, and evolve over time within media.

Cultural Studies:

An academic field that explores cultural phenomena in social contexts, including how media influences and reflects societal values.

Television Studies: An area of research focused on the analysis and interpretation of television as a significant cultural and social medium.