The Television Genre Book

This comprehensive guide to television genre studies offers an essential roadmap for understanding how categorization shapes both the production and consumption of television content. Structured across eleven distinct sections, the book systematically introduces the foundational concept of genre within television studies before delving into detailed examinations of specific televisual formats. Leading international scholars contribute accessible yet thorough analyses that illuminate the industrial contexts and visual forms that define television programming, making complex academic debates approachable for readers at various levels of familiarity with media studies.

What distinguishes this work is its balanced approach between theoretical framework and practical application, allowing readers to grasp how genre functions as both creative constraint and marketing tool within the television industry. The book's organization encourages either linear reading or targeted exploration of particular genres, making it equally valuable for students writing papers and enthusiasts seeking deeper understanding of their favorite shows. For anyone looking to move beyond casual viewing to comprehend television's structural DNA, this updated edition provides the critical vocabulary and analytical tools to transform how you watch and think about the screen.