Television/Death

The article explores the representation of death, dying, and bereavement on television, including historical and contemporary documentaries, dramas of grief and bereavement, and the ultimate posthumous medium of television. It argues that television provides a unique access to the dead and explores how the dead return via incorporation into new programs or through projects to bring television out of the archive.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 30 April 2024
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Television/Death explores the intricate relationship between the study of death, dying, and bereavement on television and the unique ways in which television (and the TV archive) provides access to the realm of the deceased. Within this comprehensive examination, Section One delves into the representation of death and dying on television, encompassing both historical and contemporary documentaries. It examines the early origins of this genre and explores contemporary documentaries that shed light on a diverse range of death and dying experiences, ranging from home deaths to hospice care, assisted dying, and more.

Section Two focuses on dramas of grief and bereavement, examining how contemporary complex serial television drama and comedy present emotionally authentic portrayals of experiences related to grief, loss, and death-related trauma. These shows explore profound questions such as "What happens to us after we die?" and delve into the intricacies of human emotions and coping mechanisms in the face of profound loss.

Section Three takes a critical perspective and argues that television has been overlooked in the broader discussions of how recorded media brings back the dead. It posits that television stands as the ultimate posthumous medium, showcasing how the deceased can return through the incorporation of new television programs or through projects aimed at bringing television out of the archive.

Television/Death offers a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted relationship between death, dying, and television, shedding light on the ways in which this medium both reflects and shapes our understanding of these profound human experiences. Through its detailed analysis, the book provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics between media, representation, and the afterlife, contributing to our understanding of the evolving cultural landscape.

Weight: 603g
Dimension: 234 x 156 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474451727