Television Drama

Television drama is a type of television programme based on a created story (fiction) in which actors depict events and relationships between people. It differs from other forms of television — such as news, documentary, and competition programmes — in that it relies on a pre-written script, carefully planned production and editing.

The story is typically built around conflict that the main character encounters, which escalates gradually until reaching a climax, then resolves or concludes. This structure is divided into episodes and seasons, making it possible for the story to unfold over a long period with audiences returning regularly.

Structure of the programme

Two broad structures are common. The first is episodic, where each episode contains a complete story, allowing viewers to begin at any episode. The second is serial, where episodes are interconnected and often end on an open note to draw audiences back. Many programmes combine both: events specific to each episode, and an overarching story that runs throughout the season.

Production process

Production passes through several stages. First comes scriptwriting, with long-running programmes typically employing a team of writers who share creative control of the story. Next is pre-production: casting actors, selecting locations, choosing costumes and equipment. The shooting stage takes place in studios or on location. Finally comes post-production, where footage is edited together, sound and music are added, and visual effects are applied.

Sub-genres

Drama has sub-genres determined by subject matter: crime drama, legal and courtroom drama, medical drama set in hospitals, historical drama, and family drama. There are also hybrid forms mixing drama and comedy. A type known as soap opera differs in running continuously over a long period, with interconnected storylines.

Changes in distribution

For a long time, drama was distributed through television channels on fixed schedules, typically funded by advertisers. The rapid growth of on-demand internet services has altered this: many episodes can be released at once, and the schedule has shifted to viewer control. This has affected episode length, the number of episodes per season, and how stories are structured.