📺TV Studies Unit 12 – TV Storytelling: Structures and Techniques

Key Concepts in TV Storytelling

• Episodic storytelling presents self-contained stories within each episode while maintaining continuity of characters and settings across episodes (sitcoms, procedurals)
• Serialized storytelling weaves ongoing storylines and character arcs across multiple episodes or seasons (dramas, soap operas)
  • Often features cliffhangers to encourage viewers to tune in to subsequent episodes
• Narrative arcs refer to the overall progression of a story or character development throughout a series
• Ensemble casts feature multiple main characters with interconnected storylines and relationships (Lost, Friends)
• Narrative devices such as flashbacks, flash-forwards, and nonlinear storytelling add complexity and depth to TV narratives
• Themes and motifs recur throughout a series to reinforce central ideas and messages
• Storytelling in television often balances episodic and serialized elements to maintain viewer engagement

Evolution of TV Narrative Structures

• Early television relied heavily on episodic storytelling due to technical limitations and viewing habits
• Anthology series presented standalone stories with different characters and settings each episode (The Twilight Zone)
• Sitcoms traditionally followed an episodic format with self-contained stories and minimal character development across seasons (I Love Lucy, Seinfeld)
• Serialized storytelling gained prominence with the rise of primetime soap operas in the 1980s (Dallas, Dynasty)
• The 1990s and 2000s saw an increase in complex serialized narratives that blended episodic and ongoing storylines (The Sopranos, The Wire)
  • This shift was influenced by advancements in technology, changes in viewing habits, and the rise of cable networks
• Streaming platforms have further embraced serialized storytelling, allowing for more creative freedom and binge-watching (Stranger Things, The Crown)
• Contemporary television often features a mix of episodic and serialized elements to cater to different viewing preferences

Types of TV Shows and Their Storytelling Approaches

• Sitcoms rely on episodic storytelling with self-contained plots and a focus on humor and character interactions (Friends, The Big Bang Theory)
  • Often filmed in front of a live studio audience with a multi-camera setup
• Dramas employ serialized storytelling to explore complex characters, relationships, and themes over multiple episodes or seasons (Breaking Bad, Mad Men)
  • Typically filmed using a single-camera setup and may incorporate cinematic techniques
• Procedurals focus on episodic storylines centered around a specific profession or investigation (Law & Order, CSI)
  • Storylines are often resolved within a single episode, with minimal character development across seasons
• Anthology series present standalone stories with different characters and settings each episode or season (Black Mirror, American Horror Story)
• Miniseries tell a complete story over a limited number of episodes, often adapting novels or historical events (Band of Brothers, Chernobyl)
• Reality TV uses unscripted or partially scripted storytelling to document real people and events (Survivor, The Real Housewives)
• Hybrid shows blend elements of different genres to create unique storytelling experiences (Glee, Orange Is the New Black)

Character Development in Television

• Character arcs trace the growth, change, or transformation of a character over the course of a series
  • Arcs can be positive (a character overcoming challenges) or negative (a character's downfall)
• Backstories provide insight into a character's past experiences, motivations, and relationships
  • Often revealed through flashbacks, dialogue, or expository scenes
• Character relationships drive conflict, tension, and emotional resonance within a series (romantic relationships, friendships, rivalries)
• Ensemble casts allow for multiple character arcs and intersecting storylines (Game of Thrones, This Is Us)
• Character development in episodic shows may be more subtle or gradual compared to serialized narratives
• Serialized shows often feature more complex and dynamic character arcs that evolve over multiple seasons
• Character growth can be influenced by external events, personal challenges, and interactions with other characters

Plot and Story Arc Techniques

• Three-act structure divides a story into setup, confrontation, and resolution, creating a clear narrative arc
  • Commonly used in episodic storytelling and self-contained storylines
• Five-act structure expands upon the three-act structure, adding rising action and falling action for more complex narratives
• Cliffhangers end episodes or seasons on a suspenseful note, encouraging viewers to tune in for the resolution (Who shot J.R.? in Dallas)
• Foreshadowing hints at future events or revelations, creating anticipation and narrative cohesion
• Plot twists subvert viewer expectations and add unexpected turns to the narrative (The Good Place)
• Flashbacks and flash-forwards manipulate the timeline to reveal character backstories or future events
• Subplots introduce secondary storylines that intersect with and complement the main plot
• Serialized shows often employ ongoing story arcs that span multiple episodes or seasons, with gradual plot development and character growth

Visual Storytelling Elements

• Cinematography uses camera angles, movements, and compositions to convey mood, tone, and narrative information
  • Close-ups emphasize emotion, while wide shots establish setting and context
• Lighting creates atmosphere, highlights characters, and guides viewer attention (low-key lighting for suspense, high-key lighting for comedy)
• Color palettes establish visual themes and evoke specific emotions or associations (Breaking Bad's use of yellow and green)
• Editing techniques such as montages, cross-cutting, and parallel editing compress time, build suspense, or draw connections between scenes
• Visual effects and CGI enhance storytelling by creating immersive worlds or depicting impossible events (Game of Thrones' dragons)
• Production design, including sets, props, and costumes, contributes to world-building and character development
• Symbolism and visual motifs reinforce themes and create narrative cohesion throughout a series (Mad Men's use of doors and windows)

Writing for TV: Dialogue and Pacing

• Dialogue reveals character personalities, motivations, and relationships through verbal interactions
  • Subtext conveys underlying emotions or intentions not explicitly stated
• Dialogue pacing influences the rhythm and flow of scenes, with rapid-fire exchanges for comedic or tense moments and slower, more contemplative conversations for dramatic scenes
• Exposition delivers necessary background information or context through dialogue, narration, or visual cues
• Monologues allow characters to express inner thoughts, emotions, or backstories in an extended speech
• Pacing refers to the speed and rhythm of a story's unfolding, balancing action, dialogue, and quieter moments
  • Serialized shows often employ slower pacing to build character and story over time
• Cliffhangers and plot twists are strategically placed to maintain viewer engagement and anticipation
• TV writers must balance episodic and serialized elements, ensuring each episode is satisfying while contributing to larger story arcs

Industry Influences on TV Storytelling

• Network television traditionally favored episodic storytelling to accommodate casual viewers and syndication (CSI, Law & Order)
  • 22-episode seasons and ad breaks influenced story structure and pacing
• Cable networks offered more creative freedom, allowing for serialized narratives and niche programming (The Sopranos, Mad Men)
  • Shorter seasons (10-13 episodes) allowed for tighter storytelling and character development
• Streaming platforms have revolutionized TV storytelling by eliminating the need for ad breaks and allowing for flexible episode lengths and structures (Stranger Things, The Mandalorian)
  • Binge-watching has encouraged highly serialized narratives and cliffhangers
• Audience demographics and viewing habits influence the types of stories and characters portrayed on TV
• Budget constraints can impact the scope and scale of TV storytelling, with higher budgets allowing for more ambitious productions (Game of Thrones, The Crown)
• Social media and fan engagement have increased the importance of water cooler moments and theories, influencing storytelling decisions
• International co-productions and global audiences have led to more diverse and inclusive TV storytelling (Sense8, Money Heist)