The Superiority of TV Series as an Art Form: A Comparative Analysis

In the digital age, opinions and preferences regarding the supremacy of one art form over another are as varied as the perspectives of the individuals expressing them. The idea that television series are inherently inferior to movies as an art form is a common misconception that overlooks the unique strengths and limitations of each. Both TV series and movies are visual art forms, but their structures and narrative development present distinct advantages and challenges, making them equally valuable and enriching in their own right.

Comparative Analysis: TV Series vs. Movies

TV Series: A TV series, by its very nature, extends over multiple episodes, potentially stretching across seasons and years. This longer runtime allows for complex narrative development, character arcs, and intricate storylines to be explored in depth. Unlike movies, which are confined to a standard runtime of approximately 120 minutes, TV shows can effectively weave an evolving plot that resonates with viewers over an extended period. This makes rewatching TV series a significantly more engaging and rewarding experience.

Example: The Walking Dead - I, for one, was initially captivated by The Walking Dead. Its initial seasons provided continuous engagement, with viewers eagerly awaiting the next episode to uncover the next plot twist or character development. However, once the show began to heavily focus on subplots and secondary characters at the expense of the protagonist, I eventually lost interest. This illustrates how the durability and rewatch value of a TV series can be influenced by its narrative focus and pacing.

Movie Art Form: Concise and Engaging

Movies: On the other hand, movies are designed to captivate audiences within a shorter timeframe. A movie’s narrative must be compelling and complete within its typical 120-minute runtime. While this presents a challenge in terms of depth and complexity, it also allows for a focused and intense viewing experience, making movies a perfect fit for immediate entertainment or binge-watching.

Examples: Recent films like Piku, Gully Boy, Pink, Black Panther, and A Star is Born are prime examples of movies that are both engaging and enjoyable in a single viewing. These films provide a concentrated burst of artistic and narrative satisfaction, making them suitable for one-time viewing or repeated watches based on personal preferences.

Adaptations: TV Shows vs. Movies

Adaptations of classic literature offer a unique lens through which to compare TV series and movies. Consider the adaptation of Brideshead Revisited, a prestige production with star-studded casts and substantial budgets. The TV adaptation, spanning 11 hours, retains meticulous fidelity to the source material, presenting it through a character-by-character exploration. In contrast, the movie adaptation, clocking in at just over two hours, takes a more condensed approach, either through selective scenes or extended flashbacks to cover the entire story.

A notable example of this is how John Mortimer’s efforts in the TV adaptation allowed for a page-by-page exposition of the novel, whereas Andrew Davies’ screenplay for the movie adapted the story by beginning in the middle and later introducing flashbacks. The TV series, with its extended runtime, provides a more comprehensive and nuanced portrayal, while the movie adaptation must prioritize a concise and coherent narrative arc within its limited timeframe.

Conclusions and Final Thoughts

Ultimately, both TV series and movies are valuable art forms, each offering unique strengths and challenges. While TV series can develop intricate narratives over extended periods and offer rewatch value, movies provide a concise and immersive experience within their standard runtime. In the end, whether one prefers the long-term engagement of a TV series or the immediate satisfaction of a movie comes down to personal taste and the nature of the narrative at hand.

TV Shows That are Worth Rewatching:
Breaking Bad, The Wire, Stranger Things, The Crown, Game of Thrones
Comedy Shows That are Rewatchable: Schitt's Creek, Veep, Modern Family