TV drama

TV Drama

Industry

- US networks broadcasters must satisfy their advertisers and hold market share.

- Impact of this is on content - is a reliance on formal media convention.

Cable television

- Launched in the 1970's. HBO was the first US national subscription cable TV channel.

- Takes more risks - allows for more explicit content.

UK drama 

- UK have failed to meet the challenge of the US cable channels.

- BBC + ITV 90's - they relied on genre-based, formula drama. Heritage and crime drama are prime examples. (UK are very behind in comparison to the US)

- Channel 4 and BBC4 have identical foreign language/subtitled long form shows are rating's winners. (ABC1 Audience)

- Use of time-shift is increasing (on demand, catch up)
- Content viewing via TV still dominates the UK
- Netflix and Amazon usuage is increasing
- Binge watching began in late 1990's - using DVD box sets
- US uses long mid-season breaks to entice the audience when the following season is released

LFTVD definition - Long form TV drama
innovative
high quality
time shifting
easily accessible
multiple episodes
different platforms
content can be dark, but creative
long term narratives
mature
streaming services