Concept TV: An Aesthetics of Television Series

Television series are conceptual narratives that manifest through episodes and seasons, similar to works of conceptual art. They are evaluated differently than films, with some apparent flaws being aesthetic merits when considered from a conceptual perspective. To maximize their aesthetic value, television series should be assessed in a new conceptual framework.

Format: Hardback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 08 November 2021
Publisher: Lexington Books

A television series is a captivating form of storytelling that unfolds through a series of episodes and seasons, creating a rich and immersive narrative experience. While this definition is widely accepted, Luca Bandirali and Enrico Terrone challenge it in their book "Concept TV: An Aesthetics of Television Series." They argue that television series are not merely a collection of episodes but are conceptual entities that manifest themselves through the episodes and seasons, much like works of conceptual art can be experienced through installations or performances. In essence, a television series is a conceptual narrative, a framework for constructing similar narratives. While film viewers engage with narratives primarily through images and sounds, television viewers rely on a combination of images and sounds to grasp the conceptual narrative being expressed. This fundamental difference between television and film sets the stage for a unique aesthetics of television series that embraces its alleged prolixity, repetition, and lack of narrative closure.

Bandirali and Terrone delve into the evaluation of television series, highlighting that certain perceived flaws can be viewed as aesthetic merits when considered from a conceptual perspective. They argue that television series offer a distinct form of storytelling that challenges traditional narrative structures and encourages viewers to engage with the material on multiple levels. By adopting a new conceptual framework for assessing television series, we can appreciate their aesthetic value and explore the rich tapestry of narratives they present.

In conclusion, television series are not just a collection of episodes but are conceptual narratives that manifest themselves through episodes and seasons. By recognizing the unique aesthetic qualities of television series and adopting a conceptual framework for evaluation, we can unlock their full potential and appreciate the rich and diverse storytelling they offer.

Weight: 336g
Dimension: 158 x 237 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781498597562