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TV serials are long narrative shows with story arcs that span the entire series and smaller arcs within each season. They require watching in order and include various genres. Episodic TV can be watched independently. Serials have thrived on DVD, with die-hard fans rewatching favorite episodes. Soap operas are the epitome of serial TV.
TV serials are television programs that involve a long narrative that slowly unfolds over the course of an entire show, from the pilot episode to the finale. They’re designed to be watched in order, with viewers turning each week to get the next installment in the story. Serial has very ancient roots, with many popular novels such as Great Expectations originally appearing in a serialized format and television serials are quite varied and diverse, including comedy, drama, science fiction, and other genres.
The main thing that differentiates a TV serial from a regular TV show is the existence of story arcs. Many serials have a plot arc that spans the entire show, along with a number of smaller arcs that take place over the course of a season or block of episodes. To keep track, TV series viewers need to watch episodes in order, and will quickly lose track of what’s happening if they miss or shuffle episodes. In some cases, the show may be a miniseries, with a definite end date, and in other cases, the show may not have a specific date planned for the finale.
In contrast, episodic television comprises episodes that can be watched on their own. New viewers may have trouble adjusting to the characters and setting, but will be able to follow the story and enjoy the plot of the episode. This type of television has become increasingly popular, as some networks worry that viewers will find it difficult to follow the extended storylines of television serials.
Soap operas are perhaps the epitome of serial television, with storylines that span the course of years and decades. Shows like Lost, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Battlestar Galactica could also be considered serials, as they have complex and involved storylines that demand viewers’ weekly attention. In contrast, police procedures and ‘case of the week’ medical shows can be followed much more easily, as viewing order is not essential.
Although TV serials were designed for television, they have thrived on the DVD format. Many serials have die-hard fans who buy seasons as soon as they come out on DVD so they can watch them again, both to keep up with the plot and to enjoy the series by rewatching their favorite episodes and analyzing the characters. Some television franchises that have done only moderately well on air have continued to thrive on DVD, which would seem to suggest that viewers are, in fact, intellectually capable of following and enjoying serial television. Fan campaigns to save and promote television serials have also illustrated the depth of engagement with characters that can develop over the course of a long-running show.
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