History TV

This guidebook explores the meanings of history and TV, covering documentary, mini-series, network branding, and reality TV, highlighting how history TV shows are both sites of cultural memory and components of television networks' industrial strategies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 01 January 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

History TV is a fascinating and complex genre that has the power to shape our understanding of the past and present. In this guidebook, Allison Perlman provides a critical introduction to the field, unpacking the meanings of history and TV and exploring various topics such as documentary, mini-series, network branding, and reality TV. Through a diverse range of fictional and non-fictional programming, Perlman's book emphasizes how history TV shows are both sites of cultural memory and components of television networks' industrial strategies. She highlights the ethical and political implications of popular history, as well as the narrative structure and genre elements of televisual formats.

One of the key themes of Perlman's book is the way that history TV shows can shape our understanding of the past. By presenting historical events and figures in a compelling and engaging way, history TV can help us to better understand the complexities of the past and the impact that it has had on our world today. However, Perlman also notes that history TV can be problematic, particularly when it comes to the representation of marginalized groups and historical events. For example, some history TV shows may perpetuate stereotypes or ignore important historical events that have been marginalized by mainstream media.

To address these issues, Perlman suggests that history TV shows should be more inclusive and diverse. She argues that history TV should include a wider range of perspectives and voices, and should be more sensitive to the historical context in which the events are taking place. She also suggests that history TV shows should be more transparent about their sources and their research methods, so that viewers can be confident in the accuracy of the information presented.

In addition to the ethical and political implications of history TV, Perlman also explores the narrative structure and genre elements of televisual formats. She notes that history TV shows often use a combination of documentary and fictional elements, and that this combination can create a powerful and immersive experience for viewers. However, she also notes that this combination can be challenging to balance, and that some history TV shows may prioritize the documentary elements over the fictional elements.

To address this challenge, Perlman suggests that history TV shows should be more creative and innovative. She suggests that history TV shows should experiment with different formats and styles, and should be willing to take risks. She also suggests that history TV shows should be more accessible to a wider range of viewers, by being available on a variety of platforms and by being translated into different languages.

In conclusion, history TV is a fascinating and complex genre that has the power to shape our understanding of the past and present. Allison Perlman's guidebook provides a critical introduction to the field, unpacking the meanings of history and TV and exploring various topics such as documentary, mini-series, network branding, and reality TV. By being more inclusive and diverse, more transparent about their sources and their research methods, and more creative and innovative, history TV shows can help us to better understand the complexities of the past and the impact that it has had on our world today.

Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138928473