5.1 Episodic storytelling

Episodic storytelling is a cornerstone of television narratives. It breaks series into individual episodes with self-contained stories, allowing for multiple storylines and character arcs. This format has been a TV staple since its early days, evolving alongside the medium.

Episodic storytelling offers advantages like accessibility for viewers and flexibility in storytelling. However, it also presents challenges such as maintaining continuity and balancing self-contained plots with ongoing arcs. The format continues to adapt, blending with serial elements and exploring new possibilities in the streaming era.

Defining episodic storytelling

• Episodic storytelling is a narrative structure commonly used in television where a series is broken into individual episodes, each with its own self-contained story
• This format allows for multiple storylines and character arcs to be explored over the course of a season or series while still providing a sense of resolution within each episode
• Episodic storytelling has been a staple of television since its early days and continues to evolve as the medium itself changes

Episodic vs serial storytelling

Standalone episodes

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• In purely episodic series, each episode tells a complete story with a clear beginning, middle, and end
• Characters and settings may carry over from episode to episode, but the main plot is resolved within a single installment
• Examples of standalone episodic series include anthologies like "The Twilight Zone" and procedurals like "Law & Order"

Overarching storylines

• Serial storytelling, on the other hand, features ongoing narratives that span multiple episodes or even entire seasons
• Plotlines are left unresolved at the end of each episode, encouraging viewers to tune in to the next installment to see how the story progresses
• Examples of serial shows include heavily serialized dramas like "Breaking Bad" and "Game of Thrones"

Hybrid formats

• Many modern television series blend elements of both episodic and serial storytelling
• Individual episodes may have self-contained storylines while also contributing to larger, season-long arcs
• This hybrid approach allows for a balance between satisfying episodic resolutions and compelling ongoing narratives
• Examples of shows that utilize this format include "The X-Files" and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"

Structure of episodic narratives

A, B & C plots

• Episodic television often features multiple storylines within a single episode, known as A, B, and C plots
• The A plot is the main storyline that receives the most screen time and narrative focus
• B and C plots are secondary storylines that may involve supporting characters or explore themes related to the main plot
• Juggling multiple plots allows for a variety of storytelling possibilities and keeps the episode engaging

Cold opens

• Many episodic series begin with a cold open, a short scene that takes place before the opening credits
• Cold opens can serve various purposes, such as setting up the main conflict of the episode, introducing a new character, or providing a comedic moment
• They often end with a dramatic or surprising moment, leading into the opening credits and hooking the viewer's interest

Cliffhangers

• Cliffhangers are narrative devices used to end an episode with a dramatic or suspenseful moment, leaving the story unresolved
• They create a sense of anticipation and encourage viewers to tune in to the next episode to see how the story continues
• Cliffhangers can be used in both episodic and serial storytelling, but are more common in serialized narratives

Repetition of themes

• Episodic series often explore recurring themes throughout their run, with individual episodes serving as variations on those themes
• This repetition allows for a deeper exploration of the show's central ideas and creates a sense of cohesion across the series
• Examples of repeated themes in episodic television include the nature of justice in "Law & Order" and the importance of friendship in "Friends"

Advantages of episodic format

Accessibility for viewers

• The episodic format makes it easy for viewers to jump into a series at any point without feeling lost
• Since each episode tells a self-contained story, viewers don't need to have seen previous installments to understand and enjoy the current one
• This accessibility can help a show attract new viewers and maintain a larger audience over time

Flexibility in storytelling

• The episodic structure allows for a wide range of storytelling possibilities within a single series
• Writers can explore different genres, tones, and narrative styles from episode to episode, keeping the series fresh and unpredictable
• This flexibility also allows for the introduction of new characters, settings, and conflicts as the series progresses

Opportunities for experimentation

• The episodic format provides a space for writers and directors to take creative risks and experiment with unconventional storytelling techniques
• Since each episode is a self-contained unit, creators can test out new ideas without worrying about their impact on the larger narrative
• Experimental episodes can become standout moments in a series, such as the silent episode "Hush" in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" or the live episode "Ambush" in "ER"

Challenges of episodic storytelling

Maintaining continuity

• While episodic series don't have the same continuity demands as serialized narratives, they still need to maintain a sense of consistency in terms of character development and world-building
• Inconsistencies in characterization or plot details can be jarring for viewers and undermine the credibility of the storytelling
• Showrunners and writers must work to ensure that each episode feels like a part of the same coherent whole, even as they explore different storylines and themes

Character development limitations

• The episodic format can sometimes limit opportunities for long-term character development, as each episode needs to devote time to its self-contained story
• Characters may feel static or underdeveloped if their arcs are not given sufficient attention across multiple episodes
• Writers must find ways to balance episodic storytelling with ongoing character growth, often by weaving smaller character moments into the larger plot of each episode

Balancing self-contained & ongoing plots

• In hybrid episodic/serial series, writers must strike a balance between wrapping up individual storylines within an episode and advancing larger, ongoing arcs
• Overemphasizing the episodic plots can make the series feel disconnected or aimless, while focusing too heavily on serialized elements can alienate casual viewers
• Finding the right balance is a challenge that requires careful planning and execution from the writers' room

Evolution of episodic TV

Early anthology series

• In the early days of television, anthology series like "The Twilight Zone" and "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" were popular examples of episodic storytelling
• These series featured standalone stories with different characters and settings each week, united by a common theme or genre
• Anthology series laid the groundwork for the episodic format and demonstrated the potential for television to tell diverse, self-contained stories

Sitcoms & procedurals

• As television evolved, the episodic format became closely associated with two genres: the sitcom and the procedural drama
• Sitcoms like "I Love Lucy" and "Seinfeld" used the episodic structure to tell self-contained comedic stories, often revolving around the daily lives and misadventures of their characters
• Procedurals like "Dragnet" and "CSI" applied the episodic format to crime and mystery stories, with each episode focusing on a single case or investigation

Prestige & limited series

• In recent years, the rise of prestige television and limited series has led to a resurgence of interest in episodic storytelling
• Shows like "Black Mirror" and "Fargo" use the anthology format to tell standalone stories united by a common theme or aesthetic
• Limited series like "Chernobyl" and "Watchmen" employ episodic storytelling to explore a single story arc over the course of a season, with each episode contributing to the larger narrative

Episodic storytelling across genres

Comedy

• Comedic series often rely on the episodic format to tell self-contained stories that revolve around the characters' relationships and everyday lives
• Sitcoms like "Friends" and "The Office" use the episodic structure to explore different comedic scenarios and character dynamics from week to week
• Sketch comedy series like "Saturday Night Live" and "Key & Peele" take the episodic format to its extreme, with each episode featuring a collection of standalone sketches

Drama

• Dramatic series use the episodic format to tell self-contained stories that explore a range of human experiences and emotions
• Procedurals like "House" and "The Good Wife" apply the episodic structure to medical and legal dramas, with each episode focusing on a single case or patient
• Anthology dramas like "American Crime Story" and "True Detective" use the episodic format to tell standalone stories united by a common theme or genre

Science fiction & fantasy

• Science fiction and fantasy series often use the episodic format to explore different worlds, concepts, and characters within a single series
• Shows like "The Twilight Zone" and "Black Mirror" use the anthology format to tell standalone stories that explore the implications of new technologies and alternate realities
• Series like "The X-Files" and "Fringe" blend episodic and serial storytelling, with standalone monster-of-the-week episodes contributing to larger mythological arcs

Animated series

• Animated series often employ the episodic format to tell self-contained stories that can be enjoyed by viewers of all ages
• Shows like "The Simpsons" and "SpongeBob SquarePants" use the episodic structure to explore the comedic possibilities of their animated worlds and characters
• Anime series like "Cowboy Bebop" and "Samurai Champloo" use the episodic format to tell standalone stories within a larger genre framework, with each episode contributing to the overall tone and themes of the series

Impact of episodic format on production

Writing & story development

• The episodic format presents unique challenges and opportunities for writers and story developers
• Each episode must tell a complete story with a satisfying resolution while also contributing to the larger themes and character arcs of the series
• Writers must balance the demands of episodic storytelling with the need for ongoing continuity and development

Filming schedules

• The episodic format can impact the filming schedules of television series, particularly those with large ensemble casts or complex production requirements
• Episodes are often filmed out of order to accommodate actor availability or location shooting, which can create challenges for maintaining continuity
• The need to complete each episode within a set timeframe can also lead to long shooting days and tight turnaround times for post-production

Budgeting considerations

• The episodic format can have significant implications for the budgeting of television series
• Each episode requires its own set of resources, including cast, crew, locations, and special effects
• Producers must balance the creative needs of each episode with the financial constraints of the series as a whole
• The success of an episodic series can often depend on finding cost-effective ways to tell compelling stories within a limited budget

Audience engagement with episodic TV

Appointment viewing

• The episodic format has traditionally been associated with appointment viewing, where audiences tune in at a specific time each week to watch the latest episode
• This model creates a sense of anticipation and shared experience among viewers, as they collectively react to the twists and turns of each episode
• Appointment viewing has declined in recent years due to the rise of streaming and on-demand viewing, but it remains an important aspect of the episodic television experience

Binge-watching

• The episodic format has also been impacted by the rise of binge-watching, where viewers consume multiple episodes of a series in rapid succession
• Binge-watching has changed the way audiences engage with episodic television, as they can now consume an entire season or series in a matter of days rather than weeks or months
• This shift has led to changes in the way episodic series are structured and paced, with many shows now employing serialized elements and cliffhangers to encourage binge-watching

Fan theories & speculation

• The episodic format can create opportunities for fan engagement and speculation between episodes
• As viewers wait for the next installment of a series, they often take to online forums and social media to discuss theories, predictions, and reactions to the latest developments
• This fan engagement can create a sense of community and investment in the series, as viewers collectively try to unravel the mysteries and anticipate the next twists and turns

Analyzing episodic narratives

Identifying story arcs

• When analyzing an episodic series, it's important to identify the different story arcs that are being developed across multiple episodes
• These arcs can include character development, ongoing conflicts, and thematic explorations that span the entire series
• By tracking these arcs, viewers can gain a deeper understanding of the series' larger narrative and thematic concerns

Examining character journeys

• Episodic series often use standalone episodes to explore different facets of their characters' personalities and relationships
• By examining how characters evolve and change over the course of a series, viewers can gain insight into their motivations, flaws, and growth
• Comparing and contrasting characters' journeys can also reveal important themes and ideas that the series is exploring

Evaluating pacing & structure

• The pacing and structure of an episodic series can have a significant impact on its overall effectiveness and engagement
• Analyzing how each episode is structured, including its use of cold opens, cliffhangers, and multiple plotlines, can provide insight into the series' storytelling techniques and priorities
• Evaluating the pacing of a series can also reveal how it balances episodic and serialized elements, and how it maintains viewer interest and investment over time

Future of episodic storytelling

Streaming platforms' influence

• The rise of streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime has had a significant impact on the future of episodic storytelling
• These platforms have created new opportunities for creators to experiment with format, structure, and distribution models
• The ability to release entire seasons at once has led to changes in the way episodic series are conceived and consumed, with many shows now employing more serialized and binge-friendly storytelling techniques

Blending with serial elements

• As audiences become more accustomed to serialized storytelling, many episodic series are incorporating more ongoing plot elements and character arcs into their structures
• This blending of episodic and serial elements allows for a greater sense of continuity and investment across a series, while still providing the satisfying resolutions and standalone stories that define the episodic format
• Shows like "The Mandalorian" and "Stranger Things" demonstrate how this hybrid approach can create compelling and engaging television experiences

Potential for interactive episodes

• As technology continues to evolve, there is growing potential for interactive episodes that allow viewers to shape the course of the story through their own choices and actions
• Interactive episodes like "Black Mirror: Bandersnatch" and "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend" offer a glimpse into how the episodic format could be expanded and reimagined in the future
• While still a relatively nascent trend, interactive episodes suggest exciting possibilities for how episodic storytelling could become even more immersive and engaging in the years to come