12.3 Narrative techniques specific to television

TV shows use clever storytelling tricks to keep us hooked. From long-running plots to self-contained episodes, they mix it up to appeal to different viewers. Time jumps, cliffhangers, and multiple storylines add depth and excitement.

TV narratives have evolved with technology and viewing habits. Streaming has allowed for more complex stories and binge-watching. Modern shows often blend genres and use interactive elements, pushing the boundaries of traditional TV storytelling.

Narrative Techniques in Television

Serialized and Episodic Storytelling

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• Serialized storytelling allows for long-form, multi-episode story arcs developing characters and plotlines over extended periods
• Episodic structure enables self-contained stories while maintaining overarching narratives providing accessibility for casual viewers and depth for regular audiences
• Multiple plotlines or subplots within a single episode allow for complex storytelling and character development across an ensemble cast
• "Monster of the week" or "case of the week" format balances ongoing storylines with episodic content (The X-Files, Law & Order)
• "Previously on" recap reminds viewers of past events and maintains continuity in serialized storytelling

Time Manipulation and Narrative Focus

• Flashbacks and flash-forwards expand storytelling possibilities within time constraints and enhance character development
• "Bottle episodes" focus on a limited set or cast of characters to explore relationships or themes in depth, often due to budget constraints (Breaking Bad's "Fly", Community's "Cooperative Calligraphy")
• Bookending provides narrative symmetry and thematic resonance by mirroring or contrasting opening and closing scenes of an episode
• Voice-over narration provides insight into characters' thoughts, offers exposition, or creates a specific tone (How I Met Your Mother, Jane the Virgin)

Engaging Viewers with Cliffhangers

Suspense-Building Techniques

• Cliffhangers create suspense and encourage continued viewership by leaving a character in peril or a plot point unresolved (Game of Thrones season finales)
• Cold opens or teasers grab viewer attention immediately and set up the episode's narrative before opening credits (Breaking Bad, The Office)
• Act breaks create mini-cliffhangers within episodes maintaining viewer engagement through commercial breaks or streaming platform pauses
• Tags or end-credits scenes provide additional humor, set up future plotlines, or offer resolution to minor story threads (Marvel Cinematic Universe TV shows)

Viewer Engagement Strategies

• Breaking the fourth wall creates a sense of intimacy and engagement by having characters directly address the audience (Fleabag, House of Cards)
• Use of multiple, interweaving storylines and frequent plot twists maintains long-term viewer engagement (Game of Thrones, This Is Us)
• World-building narrative devices create coherent and deep fictional universes, especially in science fiction and fantasy genres (The Expanse, Westworld)

Effectiveness of Narrative Devices

Genre-Specific Techniques

• Sitcom "reset button" allows for situational comedy without long-term consequences, maintaining status quo while providing episodic entertainment (The Simpsons, Friends)
• Procedural drama "whodunit" structure engages viewers through investigation and revelation, balancing predictability and surprise (CSI, Sherlock)
• Reality TV "confessional" segments provide insight into participants' thoughts and motivations, creating narrative tension and viewer investment (Survivor, The Bachelor)
• Anthology series employ self-contained stories within a thematic framework, allowing for diverse narratives while maintaining cohesive brand identity (American Horror Story, Black Mirror)

Documentary and Realism Approaches

• Documentary-style techniques in fictional programming create a sense of realism and intimacy, judged by believability of the format (The Office, Parks and Recreation)
• Mockumentaries blend fiction with documentary style to create unique narrative experiences (What We Do in the Shadows, Modern Family)

Evolution of Television Storytelling

Historical Development

• Early television narratives heavily influenced by radio formats with simple, episodic structures designed for weekly viewing and limited by technological constraints
• Introduction of videotape recording in the 1950s allowed for more complex narratives and development of serialized storytelling in genres like soap operas
• Rise of cable television in the 1980s led to more specialized content and experimentation with narrative structures, catering to niche audiences (MTV, HBO)

Modern Innovations

• Advent of DVD box sets and digital recording in late 1990s and early 2000s facilitated binge-watching, encouraging more complex, serialized narratives across all genres
• Streaming platforms revolutionized television narratives allowing for variable episode lengths, season-drop models, and interactive storytelling techniques (Black Mirror: Bandersnatch)
• "Peak TV" concept led to increased narrative complexity and experimentation, pushing boundaries of traditional storytelling techniques
• Contemporary television narratives often blur genre lines and incorporate transmedia storytelling elements, expanding narrative experience beyond the screen (Westworld's companion websites, Stranger Things' tie-in novels)