Television Narratives

Golden Ages

The Golden Age of Television…

…is Dead???

1950s

• New, fresh medium

• Backdoor to Hollywood embracing young talent

• Classic golden age

1960s

• Social relevance

• Cultural significance

• “Phantom Zone”

• “Vast Wasteland”

1970s

• Origins of Sitcom’s Golden Age

• Challenging the norms

• New Characters in the narrative spotlight

1977-1985

The Rise of TV Mini SeriesThornbirdsRoots

Developing deeper narratives/”serial”

1980s

• The 2nd Golden Age?

• Serialization

• Intelligent Adult Dramas

• Challenging Conventions

1990s

• “better than the movies”

• Critical praise

1999…

No More Golden Age?What are the markers of“Golden Age”?

Why name a“Golden Age”?

“Better” than whatcame before?

Legitimacy “When”

• Commercial industry

• Textual formats

• Representations of identities

• Interaction with TV and its programs

• Access and Technology

9/11 and surveillance Masculinity and male friendship

Young women, navigating urban life

Marriage-OR-Cold War

Streaming Access

Streaming Original

AudienceChoice

Long Live the “Golden Age” of Television

• Possibilities

– Agency

– Production

– Distribution

– Audience Involvement

- Creative Freedom

Television Over

Television Content?