Stranger Things Narrative and Genre
1. What are the formal codes and conventions of Long-Form TV Drama?
Few primary central characters (about 1/2)
Main plot and sub plots
A problem that needs to be resolved
Scheduled prime time
Exaggerated, hyper real representations of character – cultural stereotyping for entertainment values
Long, high budget title sequence
2. How similar or different are the formal conventions used in Stranger Things?
No scheduled prime time- Netflix original
Multiple primary and secondary characters introduced within the first episode
Has main plot as well as sub plots
Includes a problem established that needs to be resolved
Stranger Things adheres to most of the conventions above however due to the platform of Netflix the show does not have a Prime time slot on TV. The show was instead released all in one, possibly to encourage 'binge-watching' from their audiences. The dramatic narrative is illustrated through the disappearance of Will Byers. Along with this, there are multiple sub-plots regarding Eleven, Hopper, Nacy and Steve which are to be resolved later in the series. The lighting, character and general mise en scene relates closely to the zeitgeist atmosphere of the 80s. The high production of the drama is presented through the large budget presented through CGI and mise en scene. This in enforced through the title sequence that uses multiple graphics and an 80s style. In episode one the characters are introduced briefly through a series of clips illustrating their setting and importance to the plot. Through their introductions multiple sub-plots are introduced. The dramatic narrative is driven by the disappearance of Will which is then continued as the police and his friends search for him and find Eleven who is also introduced earlier in the episode. The main plot has not yet been solved in the first episode which adheres to the codes and conventions of TV drama.
3. How does this help to develop the genre and the way in which audiences respond (positively or negatively) to long form TV dramas?
The genres of the set texts for example, Stranger Things as a Science Fiction/Horror hybrid genre drama or Deutschland 83 as a Spy Thriller genre drama.
The codes and conventions of long form TV drama help to develop the genre as the length allows for multiple plots to be explored, thus allowing hybrid genres to be explored. The context of the film allows the genre to be explored - especially with the context of secrecy and government conspiracies of the time.
4. What codes and conventions are used to help audiences recognise their genre?
Through use of the unrevealed and unnamed monster the horror genre is presented at the start of the episode as the establishing and tracking shots build up the tension as the monster chases the scientist. Horror narratives are unsettling and made to frighten and panic their audience but entertain them at the same time. Different forms have different codes and conventions that separate them into genres and sub- genres but most horror narratives have similar codes and conventions and specific symbols to make up the narratives iconography which allows the audience to identify the genre. Stranger Things also features elements of the sci-fi in the drama narrative due to the themes of government conspiracies and secrecy involving the extra-terrestrial. The sci-fi genre incorporates hypothetical and science based themes into the plot of the narrative. The genre often includes futuristic elements and technologies to explore social, political, and philosophical issues. The generic convention of sci-fi incorporates heroes, villains, quest, advanced technology and unfamiliar locations. The genre is also supposed to be set in a futuristic or apocalyptic environment however stranger things is set during the 80s.
5. How may these two set products contribute to changes or developments within the genre in their current form?
6. What similarities and/or differences are there between the genres in Stranger Things? How do these help to popularise the form?
1. What are the formal codes and conventions of Long-Form TV Drama?
Few primary central characters (about 1/2)
Main plot and sub plots
A problem that needs to be resolved
Scheduled prime time
Exaggerated, hyper real representations of character – cultural stereotyping for entertainment values
Long, high budget title sequence
2. How similar or different are the formal conventions used in Stranger Things?
No scheduled prime time- Netflix original
Multiple primary and secondary characters introduced within the first episode
Has main plot as well as sub plots
Includes a problem established that needs to be resolved
Stranger Things adheres to most of the conventions above however due to the platform of Netflix the show does not have a Prime time slot on TV. The show was instead released all in one, possibly to encourage 'binge-watching' from their audiences. The dramatic narrative is illustrated through the disappearance of Will Byers. Along with this, there are multiple sub-plots regarding Eleven, Hopper, Nacy and Steve which are to be resolved later in the series. The lighting, character and general mise en scene relates closely to the zeitgeist atmosphere of the 80s. The high production of the drama is presented through the large budget presented through CGI and mise en scene. This in enforced through the title sequence that uses multiple graphics and an 80s style. In episode one the characters are introduced briefly through a series of clips illustrating their setting and importance to the plot. Through their introductions multiple sub-plots are introduced. The dramatic narrative is driven by the disappearance of Will which is then continued as the police and his friends search for him and find Eleven who is also introduced earlier in the episode. The main plot has not yet been solved in the first episode which adheres to the codes and conventions of TV drama.
3. How does this help to develop the genre and the way in which audiences respond (positively or negatively) to long form TV dramas?
The genres of the set texts for example, Stranger Things as a Science Fiction/Horror hybrid genre drama or Deutschland 83 as a Spy Thriller genre drama.
The codes and conventions of long form TV drama help to develop the genre as the length allows for multiple plots to be explored, thus allowing hybrid genres to be explored. The context of the film allows the genre to be explored - especially with the context of secrecy and government conspiracies of the time.
4. What codes and conventions are used to help audiences recognise their genre?
Through use of the unrevealed and unnamed monster the horror genre is presented at the start of the episode as the establishing and tracking shots build up the tension as the monster chases the scientist. Horror narratives are unsettling and made to frighten and panic their audience but entertain them at the same time. Different forms have different codes and conventions that separate them into genres and sub- genres but most horror narratives have similar codes and conventions and specific symbols to make up the narratives iconography which allows the audience to identify the genre. Stranger Things also features elements of the sci-fi in the drama narrative due to the themes of government conspiracies and secrecy involving the extra-terrestrial. The sci-fi genre incorporates hypothetical and science based themes into the plot of the narrative. The genre often includes futuristic elements and technologies to explore social, political, and philosophical issues. The generic convention of sci-fi incorporates heroes, villains, quest, advanced technology and unfamiliar locations. The genre is also supposed to be set in a futuristic or apocalyptic environment however stranger things is set during the 80s.
5. How may these two set products contribute to changes or developments within the genre in their current form?
6. What similarities and/or differences are there between the genres in Stranger Things? How do these help to popularise the form?
