Procedural vs. Serial: What’s the Difference?
Two distinct formats in the television landscape are procedurals and serialized dramatic series. Understanding the differences between these approaches is crucial for scribblers seeking to create compelling narratives.
Procedural TV has long been a staple of the small screen. These shows follow a familiar pattern, focusing on self-contained episodes with a central plot resolved within each installment. Episodes typically revolve around solving a different case, mystery, or crime, providing viewers with closure at the end of the hour.
A defining feature of procedurals is the formulaic nature of their storytelling. They often adhere to a specific structure, with clear steps taken to solve every case. Whether it's a police procedural, medical drama, or legal thriller, these series offer familiarity and comfort to audiences who enjoy the resolution and closure provided within each episode.
Recurring characters play a significant role in procedurals. While the mains may experience personal growth and development over the course of the series, the focus is primarily on the cases they solve rather than their personal lives. Supporting characters, such as lab technicians, forensic experts, or legal associates, contribute to the formula by providing expertise and assisting in the investigation.
A procedural requires writers strike a balance between crafting compelling individual episodes and maintaining the overall tone and style of the series. Each episode must offer a satisfying conclusion while leaving room for the development of the main characters. The challenge lies in delivering fresh and engaging stories within the established procedural framework.
Serialized dramatic television focuses on long-form narratives unfolding over multiple episodes or seasons, creating a continuous and interconnected storyline. Instead of self-contained episodes, serials emphasize constant character development, complex story arcs, mysteries, and intricate plot threads that build tension and suspense over time.
Each episode builds upon the previous ones, advancing the meta-narrative and revealing new story layers. Characters undergo significant transformations, and their relationships evolve, allowing for a deeper exploration of their motivations, conflicts, and personal growth. Viewers become invested in the journeys of the characters and eagerly anticipate the next episode to see how the story unfolds.
Unlike procedurals, which prioritize resolution and closure, serialized dramas thrive on open-endedness and cliffhangers. These shows keep audiences hooked by introducing mysteries, twists, and unexpected developments that create anticipation for future episodes. The narrative tension is sustained throughout the series, as viewers yearn for answers and resolution to the ongoing storylines. Sometimes they get what they want. Other times, they can come away feeling a little Lost.
In theory, crafting a serialized drama requires meticulous planning and attention to detail. Writers should have a clear understanding of the overall story arc, character arcs, and thematic elements from the beginning. Plot twists, character motivations, and the overall trajectory of the series should be carefully thought out to maintain consistency and coherence.
One of the key challenges in crafting a successful series, procedural or serialized, is finding a balance between standalone episodes and long-term story arcs. To keep viewers satisfied with individual episodes while also feeling a sense of progress and continuity in the overall narrative.
For procedurals, standalone episodes should introduce a compelling problem or case, follow a clear structure of investigation and resolution, and offer a satisfying resolution. At the same time, there can be subtle hints of ongoing character development that add depth to the series and keep viewers invested.
Serials rely on each episode contributing to the larger narrative by revealing new information, introducing new conflicts, and deepening character relationships. However, it's essential to provide enough narrative satisfaction within each episode, even if ongoing questions and unresolved plot points remain. This can be achieved through smaller story arcs, character-focused episodes, or significant plot developments that offer a sense of progression.
Let's explore a few notable examples from each:
Procedural Series:
"CSI: Crime Scene Investigation": Each episode follows a team of forensic experts solving crimes based on scientific evidence. The focus is on the investigation process and the case resolution within a single episode.
"Law & Order": Known for its "ripped from the headlines" approach, each episode of this legal drama presents a self-contained case, from investigation to courtroom trial, showcasing the criminal justice system.
"NCIS": This long-running series follows a team of special agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service as they solve crimes involving the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Each episode features a self-contained case, focusing on the team's forensic analysis, interviews, and pursuit of justice.
"Bones": Centered around a forensic anthropologist and an FBI agent, "Bones" combines crime-solving with character-driven storytelling. Each episode revolves around a new murder case that requires the expertise of the forensic team to solve.
"Sherlock": A modern take on the iconic detective, "Sherlock" follows the brilliant Sherlock Holmes and his loyal companion, Dr. John Watson, as they unravel complex mysteries in contemporary London. Each episode presents a new case, challenging Holmes' deductive skills and exploring the intricate dynamics between the characters.
Serialized Dramatic Series:
"Breaking Bad": This critically acclaimed series follows the transformation of a high school chemistry teacher, Walter White, into a methamphetamine manufacturer and criminal mastermind. The story unfolds over multiple seasons, exploring the consequences of Walter's actions and the complex web of relationships in which he becomes entangled.
"Lost": A complex and mysterious series set on a deserted island, "Lost" weaves together multiple storylines and character arcs, gradually revealing the island's secrets and the characters' interconnected pasts.
"Game of Thrones": Based on the book series by George R.R. Martin, "Game of Thrones" is an epic fantasy saga set in the fictional land of Westeros. The series intertwines the stories of numerous noble houses vying for power and control of the Iron Throne. Each episode delves into the political intrigue, complex relationships, and intense conflicts that shape the fate of the realm.
"Stranger Things": Set in the 1980s, "Stranger Things" combines elements of science fiction, horror, and mystery. The series follows a group of friends as they encounter supernatural occurrences and uncover dark government conspiracies. Each season builds upon the previous one, revealing more about the mysterious alternate dimension and the interconnected lives of the characters.
By understanding the nuances of procedural and serialized TV, writers can make informed decisions when crafting their own shows. Whether creating standalone episodes with a procedural format or diving into the intricacies of long-term arcs in a serial, the key is to create characters and situations that viewers look forward to seeing every week.
