Procedural dramas are television series which rely on an episodic format that does not require the viewer to have seen previous episodes. Episodes typically have a self-contained, also referred to as stand-alone, plot that is introduced and resolved within the same episode (or several episodes). This format is often referred to as "case-of-the-week".[1]
Procedurals are typically contrasted with serial dramas which rely more on story arcs.[1]
Procedurals are, by their stand-alone episodic nature, more accessible to new viewers. Self-contained episodes also make it easier for viewers to return to a show if they have missed some episodes.[2] In general, procedural dramas can usually be re-run with little concern for episode order, which makes them more profitable for syndication as they usually garner higher ratings in reruns than serial dramas.
Procedurals are generally less character-driven than serialized shows. However, some procedurals have more character emphasis than is typical of the format.[3][4]
A popular variant is the police procedural.
Procedural dramas
- Murder, She Wrote (1984-1996)
- Quantum Leap (1989-1993)
- Law & Order (1990-present)
- Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999-present)
- Law & Order: Criminal Intent (2001-present)
- CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000-present)
- CSI: Miami (2002-present)
- Without a Trace (2002-2009)[3]
- Cold Case (2003-present)[3]
- CSI: New York (2004-present)
- House (2004-present)[5][6][7]
- Bones (2005-present)[3]
- Ghost Whisperer (2005-present)
- Lie To Me (2008-present)[7]
- The Mentalist (2008-present)[7]
References
- ^ a b James Poniewozik (2008-12-04). "Tuned In". Time (magazine). http://tunedin.blogs.time.com/2008/12/04/i-have-seen-dollhouse/. Retrieved 2008-12-06.
- ^ Gerard Gilbert (2009-02-20). "American law... British order". The Guardian. http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/features/american-law--british-order-1626849.html. Retrieved 2009-02-20.
- ^ a b c d "Duelling sleuths". The Age. 2006-08-10. http://www.theage.com.au/news/tv--radio/duelling-sleuths/2006/08/08/1154802894078.html. Retrieved 2009-02-12.
- ^ Bill Carter (2008-11-16). "No Mystery: Ratings Heat Up for ‘NCIS’". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/17/arts/television/17ncis.html?_r=1. Retrieved 2009-02-12.
- ^ Jeff Jensen (2005-04-04). "Dr. Feelbad". Entertainment Weekly. http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,1043940,00.html. Retrieved 2009-02-12.
- ^ Michael Ausiello (2009-02-11). "Ask Ausiello: Spoilers on 'Grey's,' 'House,' 'Big Love,' 'Fringe,' 'NCIS,' '24,' 'Gossip Girl,' 'Friday Night Lights,' 'Heroes,' 'Smallville,' and more!". Entertainment Weekly. http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2009/02/ask-ausiello--1.html. Retrieved 2009-02-12.
- ^ a b c Chuck Barney (2009-01-21). "Review: Fox’s “Lie to Me” mostly a formulaic procedural". San Jose Mercury News. http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2009/01/21/review-foxs-lie-to-me-mostly-a-formulaic-procedural/. Retrieved 2009-02-12.
See also
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