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?