1.2 Key characteristics and conventions of major TV genres
4 min read•july 30, 2024
TV genres are categories of shows with similar content, style, and target audiences. From sitcoms to police procedurals, each genre has unique characteristics that shape storytelling, production, and viewer engagement.
Understanding genre conventions helps us appreciate TV's evolution. As audience tastes change, genres adapt and blend, creating new forms of storytelling. Streaming has further expanded genre experimentation, allowing for more diverse and niche programming.
Defining TV Genres
Characteristics and Conventions
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- TV genres are categories of television programming characterized by similar content, style, format, or target audience
- Major genres include , , , , , , and
- Sitcoms are a subgenre of comedy featuring recurring characters in humorous situations, often filmed in front of a live studio audience with a (22-24 minute episodes, A/B plotlines)
- Police procedurals are a drama subgenre focusing on law enforcement investigating crimes, often featuring an episodic "case-of-the-week" structure with some serialized character arcs
Reality and Non-Fiction Genres
- shows are a subgenre featuring non-actors in unscripted situations competing for a prize, often employing , eliminations, and highly-produced challenges
- TV news is characterized by studio-based anchors delivering fact-based reports on current events, often cutting to on-location reporters and incorporating interviews or press conferences
- Sports programming features live or tape-delayed coverage of athletic competitions with play-by-play commentary, analysis, interviews and packaged featurettes
- Children's programming is tailored to younger demographics, often incorporating educational elements, colorful characters, simple storylines and interactivity (Sesame Street, Blue's Clues)
Narrative Structures in Genres
Serialized vs. Episodic Storytelling
- features continuing plot lines and character arcs that unfold across multiple episodes or an entire season, requiring dedicated sequential viewing (dramas, some comedies)
- features self-contained storylines that resolve within a single episode, allowing viewers to watch non-sequentially (procedurals, sitcoms, anthologies, many animated shows)
- has become more prevalent, blending elements of episodic and serialized storytelling to create more sophisticated, novelistic television (season-long mystery arcs alongside episodic case-of-the-week storylines in shows like The X-Files or Veronica Mars)
- Streaming platforms have enabled more serialized, binge-friendly storytelling compared to the episodic emphasis of the broadcast era
Non-Fiction Narrative Techniques
- Reality TV often crafts narrative arcs in post-production via editing, confessional interviews, and producer-influenced situations, with storylines focusing on interpersonal conflicts, romances, competitions or talent performances (, )
- News and documentary storytelling is fact-based, using interviews, archival footage, graphics and reporter narration to construct true-life narratives, sometimes employing techniques like the inverted pyramid structure or cinema verité (, PBS documentaries)
- Sports narratives are crafted in real-time by gameplay and athlete storylines but augmented by commentary, interviews, graphics and packaged content to build excitement and context
Genre Elements and Viewing Experience
Production Elements
- Sitcoms often feature a , bright lighting, and multi-camera staging to enhance the humorous performances and emulate a live theater experience for the home audience
- Police procedurals incorporate , and suspenseful act breaks to create a gritty, high-stakes tone, often using location shooting and handheld cinematography
- Reality competitions employ , contestant archetypes and high-pressure eliminations to maximize interpersonal drama and tension, with glossy locales, challenges and "confessional" interviews creating voyeuristic appeal
- TV news and sports rely on graphic packages, expert commentators and remote satellite interviews to convey authority and immediacy, using ticker graphics and split-screens to deliver multiple information streams
Audience Engagement Techniques
- Children's shows use , upbeat music, direct address and interactive elements like sing-alongs to engage young viewers' attention and participation
- Genre-specific , such as dramatic orchestrations in prestige dramas or jaunty acoustic pop in quirky comedies, sets the emotional tone and complements the visual storytelling
- often form around genre shows, engaging in theorizing, shipping, fan fiction, cosplay and conventions (Star Trek, Game of Thrones)
- Social media has enabled real-time fan reactions, memes, and audience interactions with creators, enhancing the participatory culture around genre television
Genre Conventions and Impact
Formulas and Innovations
- Adherence to proven can provide viewers with comfortable familiarity and met expectations, but over-reliance on clichés risks becoming stale and predictable
- Subverting genre tropes, such as creating an in a crime drama or an unsentimental , can surprise viewers and offer fresh perspectives on well-worn genres (, The Office UK)
- and cross-genre experimentation, such as blending sci-fi and western elements or dramatizing premises, can energize creators and engage audiences seeking novelty (, )
- like or target narrower audience segments with more specific appeals, allowing for deeper fan engagement and creative risk-taking (Black Mirror, Fleabag)
Trends and Evolutions
- Genre trends shape programming strategies and audience expectations in a feedback loop - e.g. the proliferation of post-Sopranos or post-Buffy
- As audience tastes and viewing habits evolve, new genre categories emerge and fall out of favor (the rise of reality TV in the 2000s, the decline of the laugh-track sitcom)
- Streaming has enabled more genre experimentation and micro-targeting compared to the mass-appeal genres of the broadcast era, with algorithm-driven recommendations exposing viewers to more niche offerings
- Representation of diverse identities and experiences has expanded within and across genres, reflecting societal changes and activism for more inclusive storytelling (, )
Key Terms to Review (42)
60 Minutes: 60 Minutes is a long-running American television news program that features investigative journalism, interviews, and human interest stories, typically presented in a documentary format. The show is renowned for its in-depth coverage of current events and has become a hallmark of quality journalism on television, influencing other news programs and the way stories are presented.
Anti-hero protagonist: An anti-hero protagonist is a central character in a story who lacks conventional heroic attributes, such as morality, bravery, or idealism. These characters often exhibit flawed behaviors, complex motivations, and ambiguous moral codes, making them relatable and intriguing within various narratives. Their journey typically involves personal struggles that challenge traditional notions of heroism and morality, reflecting the complexities of human nature.
Binge-watching: Binge-watching is the practice of watching multiple episodes of a television show in one sitting, often facilitated by streaming services that release entire seasons at once. This viewing habit has transformed how audiences consume content, influencing storytelling, production techniques, and even marketing strategies within the television industry.
Bright colors: Bright colors refer to vivid and saturated hues that are visually striking and often used in visual media to attract attention or convey specific emotions. In the context of television, the use of bright colors can enhance storytelling by creating a lively atmosphere, evoking excitement, and establishing a certain mood that resonates with viewers.
Children's programming: Children's programming refers to television content specifically designed for young audiences, typically ranging from preschoolers to preteens. This genre includes a variety of formats such as animated series, educational shows, and live-action programs, all aimed at entertaining while often teaching values, skills, or knowledge appropriate for children. It features vibrant visuals, relatable characters, and simple storylines that engage younger viewers and often incorporates educational elements to enhance learning.
Comedy: Comedy is a genre of television that aims to entertain and amuse audiences through humor, often utilizing wit, satire, and exaggerated situations. This genre has evolved significantly over time, adapting to cultural shifts and audience preferences while maintaining its core purpose of eliciting laughter and providing social commentary.
Confessional interviews: Confessional interviews are a unique format in reality television where participants share personal thoughts, feelings, and experiences directly to the camera, often revealing intimate details about their lives. This style creates a sense of authenticity and emotional connection, allowing viewers to engage deeply with the characters and situations presented. By fostering a narrative that includes vulnerability and honesty, confessional interviews have become a hallmark of many successful reality shows, enhancing the storytelling aspect and drawing audiences into the emotional complexities of the participants.
Cult sci-fi: Cult sci-fi refers to a subgenre of science fiction television that has developed a devoted fan base, often characterized by unique storytelling, unconventional themes, and a distinct aesthetic. These shows frequently challenge mainstream conventions and explore complex ideas, leading to a dedicated community of viewers who appreciate their depth and quirkiness. Cult sci-fi often features elements like alternate realities, advanced technology, and speculative concepts that provoke thought and discussion among its audience.
Documentary: A documentary is a non-fiction television program that aims to inform, educate, or entertain viewers by presenting real-life events, people, and issues. Documentaries utilize various styles and techniques to tell a story, often combining interviews, archival footage, and narration. They play a crucial role in shaping public perception and awareness of significant social, political, and cultural topics.
Drama: Drama is a genre of television that focuses on the portrayal of realistic characters and emotional themes, often involving conflict, relationships, and moral dilemmas. This genre shapes viewer expectations by providing intense storytelling that can be both relatable and thought-provoking, making it a significant part of the television landscape.
Episodic storytelling: Episodic storytelling is a narrative structure where the story unfolds over multiple distinct episodes, each with its own plot arc, while still contributing to an overarching narrative. This format allows viewers to engage with individual episodes independently, making it particularly effective in various genres like crime dramas and sitcoms, while also accommodating international adaptations and literary adaptations into limited series.
Fan Communities: Fan communities are groups of enthusiastic individuals who share a common interest in a specific TV show, genre, or media franchise. These communities foster engagement through discussions, fan art, fan fiction, and social media interactions, contributing to a sense of belonging and participation among fans. They also influence the way content is created, marketed, and consumed, often leading to greater audience interaction and shaping the future of television.
Firefly: Firefly is a science fiction television series created by Joss Whedon that aired for one season in 2002-2003. The show combines elements of space westerns and ensemble dramas, showcasing a crew of renegades aboard a small spaceship navigating life on the fringes of society in a future where humanity has colonized other planets. Its unique blend of genres, strong character development, and witty dialogue have made it a cult classic.
Genre formulas: Genre formulas are specific conventions and patterns that define a particular genre, guiding the structure and content of TV shows within that genre. These formulas help to create familiar narrative structures, character archetypes, and thematic elements that audiences can easily recognize and engage with, contributing to the overall effectiveness of storytelling in television.
Genre mashups: Genre mashups refer to the blending or combining of two or more distinct television genres to create a unique viewing experience. This technique allows creators to merge the conventions and characteristics of different genres, resulting in innovative storytelling and often appealing to a broader audience by mixing familiar elements in unexpected ways.
Graphic crime scene imagery: Graphic crime scene imagery refers to detailed and often disturbing visual representations of crime scenes, including the bodies of victims, evidence of violence, and other elements that evoke strong emotional reactions. This type of imagery is a hallmark in certain TV genres, particularly crime dramas and true crime shows, where it serves to heighten tension, create shock value, and engage viewers in the narrative.
Gritty anti-hero dramas: Gritty anti-hero dramas are a subgenre of television that features morally ambiguous protagonists who often engage in questionable or unethical behavior while navigating complex narratives filled with dark themes and realism. This genre often emphasizes character development, showcasing the struggles and flaws of its anti-heroes, making them relatable yet flawed figures who challenge traditional notions of heroism.
Interrogation scenes: Interrogation scenes are dramatic moments in television shows where characters, usually law enforcement or intelligence agents, question suspects or witnesses to uncover information. These scenes often build tension and suspense, showcasing the psychological and emotional dynamics between the interrogator and the subject. They serve as pivotal narrative devices that drive plots forward, develop character relationships, and provide insights into themes of justice, morality, and truth.
Laugh track: A laugh track is an audio recording of laughter that is played during television shows, especially sitcoms, to enhance the comedic effect and guide audience reactions. This technique is used to create a shared viewing experience, often making moments seem funnier or more engaging, and has influenced various sitcom styles and approaches over the years.
Manipulative editing: Manipulative editing is a technique used in television production that alters the way a story is presented, often to influence audience perception or emotional response. This editing style can involve the use of cutaways, flashbacks, or non-linear narratives to shape how viewers experience the narrative and connect with characters, effectively guiding their reactions and interpretations.
Mockumentary sitcom: A mockumentary sitcom is a comedic television format that parodies the style of a documentary, using fictional characters and storylines presented in a documentary-like manner. This genre often employs elements such as interviews, direct address to the camera, and a faux-serious tone, creating a humorous contrast between the seriousness of the documentary format and the comedic situations portrayed by the characters. The mockumentary sitcom effectively blurs the lines between reality and fiction, inviting viewers to engage with the humor while reflecting on real-world issues.
Multi-camera setup: A multi-camera setup is a television production technique that uses multiple cameras to simultaneously capture different angles and perspectives of a scene, typically used in sitcoms and live events. This approach allows for dynamic storytelling and efficient shooting, as it can record various reactions and interactions in real-time without the need for extensive retakes. This technique became a defining feature of classic sitcoms and continues to influence modern television production.
Musical scoring: Musical scoring refers to the process of creating music specifically for a visual medium, such as television, film, or video games. It serves to enhance storytelling, evoke emotions, and establish atmosphere, playing a crucial role in how audiences perceive and engage with a narrative. This technique helps in defining genre conventions by aligning musical elements with visual cues and character developments.
Narrative complexity: Narrative complexity refers to the intricate storytelling techniques that allow for deeper character development, interwoven plotlines, and a non-linear progression of events in television shows. This approach enables creators to build intricate narratives that engage viewers over extended periods, often blurring the lines between episodic and serialized formats. By doing so, it enhances viewer investment and creates a more immersive experience.
News: News refers to the reporting of recent events and developments, providing information to the public about current affairs. It encompasses various formats, including television broadcasts, online articles, and radio segments, and is essential for keeping audiences informed about significant occurrences that affect their lives and societies. News not only presents facts but also interprets events, often framing them within specific narratives that shape public perception.
Niche genres: Niche genres refer to specialized categories within television that cater to specific audiences with unique tastes and preferences, often characterized by distinctive themes, styles, and storytelling techniques. These genres focus on particular subject matter or cultural interests that may not appeal to the mainstream but find dedicated followings among certain viewer segments. As the television landscape continues to evolve, niche genres play a critical role in shaping content diversity and engaging audiences in innovative ways.
Police Procedural: A police procedural is a subgenre of crime drama that focuses on the methodical and realistic portrayal of police work, investigating criminal cases through the lens of law enforcement. This genre emphasizes the processes and procedures followed by police officers, detectives, and other members of law enforcement as they work to solve crimes, often highlighting teamwork, forensic science, and legal protocols.
Pose: In the context of television, 'pose' refers to the deliberate positioning or presentation of characters, often influenced by their identity, social dynamics, or specific cultural references. This term connects deeply to contemporary storytelling techniques that highlight character depth and the nuanced interplay of identity and expression, showcasing how these elements play a significant role in driving narratives, defining genres, and enhancing representation in various TV formats.
Prestige dramedy: Prestige dramedy refers to a television genre that blends elements of drama and comedy, often characterized by high production values and complex storytelling. This genre seeks to elevate the narrative quality of traditional sitcoms by incorporating dramatic themes while maintaining humor, resulting in a more nuanced exploration of characters and social issues.
Reality: Reality in the context of television refers to programming that presents actual events, situations, and people in a way that aims to depict genuine experiences or truths. This genre often blurs the line between entertainment and factual representation, focusing on unscripted narratives that engage audiences through relatable scenarios, conflicts, and emotional journeys.
Reality competition: Reality competition is a genre of television programming that features contestants competing in various challenges, often for a cash prize or title, while their actions are filmed in real-time. This genre blends elements of reality television and game shows, highlighting both the competition aspect and the unscripted nature of participants' interactions. The format often incorporates audience engagement, emotional storytelling, and character development, showcasing diverse contestants from different backgrounds.
Reservation Dogs: Reservation Dogs is a groundbreaking television series that follows the lives of four Indigenous teenagers in rural Oklahoma as they navigate daily life while dealing with the challenges of their community. The show stands out for its authentic representation of Indigenous culture and perspectives, integrating humor and drama to highlight contemporary issues faced by these characters, showcasing trends and innovations in modern storytelling.
Serialized storytelling: Serialized storytelling is a narrative technique where a story unfolds over multiple episodes or installments, creating a continuous plot that encourages viewers to follow along over time. This format allows for deeper character development and intricate plotlines, enhancing viewer engagement and investment in the story across various genres.
Sitcom: A sitcom, or situational comedy, is a genre of television that revolves around a fixed set of characters in a consistent setting, typically utilizing humor to explore their interpersonal relationships and everyday situations. This format allows for audience expectations to develop over time, influencing how stories are told and the types of comedic elements employed. As viewers become familiar with characters and their quirks, shows can play with these conventions, using them to create humor and engaging narratives.
Social media engagement: Social media engagement refers to the interaction between users and content on social media platforms, including likes, shares, comments, and overall participation. It plays a crucial role in building a community and fostering connections among audiences, allowing for real-time feedback and conversations around TV shows. High levels of engagement can also signal to creators the interests and preferences of viewers, helping to shape future content and marketing strategies.
Sports: Sports are organized physical activities that involve competition and skill, often governed by specific rules and regulations. They serve as both entertainment and a means of social interaction, reflecting cultural values and fostering community spirit. The portrayal of sports in television showcases not only the events themselves but also the stories behind the athletes, making it a significant genre in TV programming.
Supernatural teen shows: Supernatural teen shows are a subgenre of television that centers around adolescent characters dealing with fantastical elements, often involving creatures like vampires, witches, and ghosts. These shows blend the challenges of teenage life with supernatural themes, creating a unique narrative that explores identity, friendship, and personal growth against a backdrop of otherworldly phenomena.
Survivor: In the context of reality TV, a 'survivor' refers to a participant in competition-based programs that challenge individuals to endure various physical, social, and psychological trials. These contestants often navigate alliances, strategize for survival, and ultimately vie for a grand prize, embodying key elements of human endurance and social dynamics.
The Bachelor: The Bachelor is a reality dating show franchise that centers around a single man who is given the opportunity to choose a romantic partner from a group of women competing for his affection. This format combines elements of competition, romance, and emotional storytelling, making it a significant example of reality TV's unique characteristics and conventions.
The Office (UK): The Office (UK) is a mockumentary-style television series created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, originally aired from 2001 to 2003. It portrays the daily lives of office employees working at Wernham Hogg, a fictional paper company in Slough, England, and is known for its unique blend of comedy and realism, capturing the mundane yet humorous aspects of corporate life.
The Sopranos: The Sopranos is a critically acclaimed drama series that aired from 1999 to 2007, focusing on the life of mob boss Tony Soprano as he navigates the challenges of balancing his criminal empire with family life. This show is often credited with reshaping the television landscape, reflecting and influencing contemporary drama trends and leaving a lasting legacy in the genre.
WandaVision: WandaVision is a Marvel television series that blends classic sitcom styles with superhero narratives, following Wanda Maximoff and Vision as they navigate life in a seemingly perfect suburban setting. This innovative approach to storytelling combines the conventions of both the superhero genre and domestic sitcoms, highlighting themes of grief, love, and identity while subverting traditional genre expectations.