Explores the cultural, industrial, formal, and generic contexts of the television soap opera Dark Shadows as a precursor to today's popular gothic media franchises.
TV Milestones Series
This series delves into the history and impact of pivotal moments and works within the television medium. Each installment explores how specific shows, technological advancements, and broadcast events have shaped culture and society. It offers a fascinating retrospective for anyone interested in media history and its profound influence. Discover the narratives that defined the screen.
Recommended Reading Order
I Love Lucy
- 119 pages
- 5 hours of reading
I Love Lucy is one of the best loved sitcoms in the history of American television. I Love Lucy aired for six seasons between 1951 and 1957 as a top- rated weekly sitcom, and its characters appeared in thirteen hour-long specials between 1958 and 1960. This title presents an analysis of I Love Lucy.
Monty Python's Flying Circus
- 120 pages
- 5 hours of reading
Marcia Landy examines Monty Pythons Flying Circus within the context of its time, analyzing the show's influence on 1960s and 1970s British television as well as British cultural influence on the show's legendary material. Landy explores not only why the series' complex form of comedy was important but also why it was so well received.
Angel
- 132 pages
- 5 hours of reading
The book offers an in-depth analysis of the spin-off series Angel, highlighting its unique approach aimed at adult audiences. It explores how the creators, Joss Whedon and David Greenwalt, crafted a distinct identity for the show, diverging from the formula of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Stacey Abbott examines the complexities and creative innovations that set Angel apart, fostering a dedicated fanbase despite its lesser popularity. The study reveals the show's depth and the intentional choices made to develop its narrative and themes.
The Rifleman
- 140 pages
- 5 hours of reading
Set in 1880s New Mexico, this TV western explores the life of a single father raising his son, challenging traditional genre conventions. It juxtaposes themes of domesticity and reason with the prevalent gun violence associated with the settling of the West. The series features early contributions from notable figures like Sam Peckinpah and was produced by a pioneering team, showcasing the creative talent of its time. The Rifleman stands out for its intelligent storytelling and complex portrayal of American ideals.
Examining Perry Mason - one of the most successful television programs from the 1950, this book looks at the longevity of its appeal and what the continued appeal tells us about Americans' attitudes toward lawyers and the law. It lays out the circumstances under which Perry Mason was conceived and marketed as a distinct franchise.
M*A*S*H
- 156 pages
- 6 hours of reading
Examines the origins, cultural significance, and legacy of the groundbreaking CBS television series "M*A*S*H", which aired from 1972 to 1983. This study of "M*A*S*H" analyzes the series' contextual issues - such as its creation, reception, and circulation - as well as textual issues like its formal innovations, narrative strategies, and themes.