Format and Genres

In TV productions there are always different genres for the finished production to be categorised into, Drama, Comedy, Crime, Soap Opera etc are to name a few, when programmes are to be explained they refer to the Genre as well as the Format,

For example Doctor Who is a Sci-Fi series, it is based around scientific fiction because it includes theories of time travel as well as space and talking about items similar to that of the big bang, we know that it is a series because for about 12 weeks of the year we sit down on a Saturday night and watch an episode for 45 minutes. 

Hollyoaks however is a soap opera, like most soaps, Hollyoaks always has a main story line, for example the latest being the murder of the character Texas Longford, and several storylines that branch off it, for example the cancer scare of Tony Hutchinson. This clip also features a flashback,

A serial is similar to a series, it has several episodes with a finale at the end of 12-13 episodes, a serial though is when a storyline runs through the whole series and each episode continues on from the last like Hollyoaks.

Genres

In television there are so many different genres that separate series and serials, below is a list of the different genres,

Action

In action series the storyline is written so that the characters take risks at every corner and leave viewers on edge.

Adventure

A genre that leads the characters to vast places beyond a normal reach and struggle through various obstacles to get to their destination.

Comedy

a series full of funny or comical events, aimed to make audiences laugh. It is a very open genre where anything goes.

Crime

This type of series is usually based on crimes that are or have been committed, series of this genre can also account the life of a criminal.

Fantasy

Series under this genre have stories about magic or supernatural forces, though are also known to include elements from other genres for example Science Fiction

Historical

a series based on a set historical event and are written in text book format which may or may not focus on a specific person.

Horror

Series under this genre are designed to frighten the audience, through suspense and shock.

Mystery

Series under the mystery genre are also usually associated with the crime genre since some of the time the series consists of murder investigations.

Romance

Series in this genre are always a love story, it tells the story of how couples met, bumpy relationships etc.

Science Fiction

A genre similar to fantasy but involves more scientific understanding to describe the universe the series takes place in.