5 Points on Television

Episodic television dramas (Page 180)

Spartacus is an example of episodic television dramas

The creation of these dramas allowed writers to experiment with different types of storytelling. This was one of the big "game-changers" when it came to television and new shows. I, personally, think it was very important due to the fact that these dramas can escalate to movies, book-adaptations, and can bring in much revenue through merchandising. These shows are mesmerizing because of their ability to draw in viewers with an intellectual drive that loves to be challenged.

Jersey Shore; one of the more popular reality shows

Reality (Page 185-186)

Reality TV was an advancement in television because it formed a new genre which allowed television companies to produce shows, that people would watch, for a lower budget than the sitcoms and dramas already on their networks. I believe it was an important advancement in television because it's cheap and draws in large audiences, who doesn't love drama every now and then?





Cable Television (Page 186)


Cable television was a huge advancement. with cable, stations were able to broadcast films, series and documentaries which addressed controversial issues; basically things that couldn't be shown on public television. I believe this was important because this gives people another way to learn more about world issues, as well as political policies and the inner workings of the government. I've seen more than enough political documentaries as well as documentaries on cable that I wouldn't normally see on public television, like something relating to heavy drug use/abuse for example.


Comedy (Page 183)

The Big Bang Theory is one of my favorite shows and a good example of comedies

Comedy shows/sitcoms were a great advancement in television. With the entrance of comedy to the scene companies were able to address social issues. Through comedy, men and women can laugh and inadvertently learn because the information is shrouded by jokes. The book gives the example of M*A*S*H, which addressed the closing of the Vietnam war. I find comedy important because its the perfect mechanism for almost everything, these sitcoms will make you laugh, cry and feel a series of emotions. I have learned my fair share of social and economic issues through comedy shows.



Four big TV networks (Page 182)

The big four television networks were NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX. These four companies offered a large range of television shows, ranging from news to sports. The four big networks were important because they helped the advancement of television through the evolution of new programs and genres. I find this important because these large companies have grown to a size where more opportunities than usual have risen because of all the sub-companies and interests within them.


Bibliography;

http://yochascience.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/spartacus.jpg

http://www.jerseyshoreshow.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/jersey_shore_show.jpg

http://onesmac.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/The-Big-Bang-Theory.jpg