Wilcox and Lavery (2002) identify 9 defining characteristics of ‘quality TV’ – can you apply any of these to other television series that you have viewed recently? Are there any other characteristics that you could add to their list?
Wilcox and Lavery (2002) have defined quality TV into a set of nine characteristics. These characteristics include television shows that have a large ensemble cast, they are created by mixing old and new genres and they show and the characters have memory.
These nine principles have been created to help define quality television as according to Wilcox and Lavery（2002）they can be seen in all quality television series. However, this is all subjective as one may see flaws in the validity of the nine characteristics proving that a television show is of substance. On the most part the television shows that have these characteristics in them tend to have a cult following. Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Fury, 2000) (Noxon, 2000) encompasses all of these nine characteristics. One of the most notable characteristics is that ‘Quality Television has a Memory’ (Wilcox & Lavery, 2002), this meaning that the characters have a memory of the past episodes, and the overall story arc. The use of this characteristic shows that the story and the characters are complex as like the viewer they can recall past events.
Another characteristic is ‘Quality Television is Self-Conscious’(Wilcox & Lavery, 2002), where it references other television shows or popular culture. Within the television series House M.D (Shore, 2004) they reference the cult television series Heroes, Doctor Who, Pokemon and a direct similarities between the character House and Sherlock Holmes. These nods to popular culture help to boost viewer enjoyment as they will feel as if they have a connection to the characters as they understand and connect to the joke.
The nine characteristics are extensive however there is room for more. The addition of a tenth step; Quality Television has an intellectual grounding could be added. This meaning that all quality television should have an intellectual basis, so that it attracts and entertains people on a deeper level. The majority of the quality television programs that apply to the nine steps already encompasses this proposed tenth step, thus adding it is beneficial to define quality television further.
Fury, D. (Writer), & Conter, J.A. (Director). (2000). The I in Team [Television series episode]. In Whedon, J. (Executive Producer), Buffy the Vampire Slayer. United States of America: The WB.
Noxon, M. (Writer), & Soloman, M. (Director). (2000). Goodby Iowa [Television series episode]. In Whedon, J. (Executive Producer). Buffy the Vampire Slayer. United States of America: The WB.
Shore, D. (Writer), & Shore, D. (Director). (2004). Locked In [Television series episode.] In Attanasio, P (Executive Producer). House M.D. United States of America: Fox.
Wilcox, R. & Lavery, D. (2002). Introduction, in R. Wilcox & D. Lavery (eds) Fighting the forces: what’s at stake in Buffy the vampire slayer. Lanham: Rowman and Littlefield.
Hey Olivia, I agree with you that producers who look to popular cultures and other cult shows to link into a series, are onto a winner. Treating people as if they are smart and a have a sense of humour seems to me to be a recipe for success. Quality television is dependent on complex characters, strong story lines and viewer loyalty. Thanks for the post, thanks for the laughs this semester. All the best with your future studies.
ReplyDeleteThanks Olivia. Good post. I like your suggestion for a tenth 'quality' but would like to have been given some examples. Anyway, nice work.
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