Appointment television

Definition

Appointment television refers to the practice of viewers scheduling their time to watch a specific show at a designated time, rather than watching it at their convenience. This concept is deeply intertwined with innovations in narrative complexity and serialization, as shows designed for appointment viewing often feature intricate plots and ongoing story arcs that encourage audiences to tune in regularly to keep up with the unfolding drama.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Appointment television became especially prominent during the rise of network television in the mid-20th century, where specific time slots were allocated for popular shows.
2. This viewing practice was crucial for shows with complex narratives, as missing an episode could lead to confusion about plot developments and character motivations.
3. With the advent of digital streaming platforms, appointment television has evolved but remains significant for series that maintain a dedicated weekly release schedule.
4. Shows that rely on appointment viewing often engage viewers through cliffhangers and unresolved storylines, which drive anticipation for the next episode.
5. The decline of traditional appointment television is evident as audiences shift toward binge-watching and on-demand viewing, altering how producers craft their narratives.

Review Questions

• How does appointment television influence the storytelling techniques used by creators?
  • Appointment television encourages creators to develop serialized narratives that require viewers to pay attention week after week. This technique often involves cliffhangers, intricate plotlines, and character development that unfolds over multiple episodes. By designing stories that require continuous engagement, shows ensure that audiences will return regularly to watch the next installment, enhancing viewer investment in the series.
• Discuss the impact of appointment television on audience behavior and expectations regarding narrative complexity.
  • Appointment television shapes audience behavior by establishing expectations for regular engagement with complex narratives. Viewers anticipate not only the story's progression but also the emotional investment in characters who evolve over time. This format fosters a communal experience as fans discuss plot developments, share theories about future episodes, and engage with each other across various platforms, creating a dedicated following that enhances overall viewership.
• Evaluate the implications of declining appointment television in favor of binge-watching on narrative structure and viewer engagement.
  • The shift from appointment television to binge-watching has significant implications for narrative structure and viewer engagement. With audiences able to consume entire seasons at once, creators may adjust their storytelling techniques by incorporating more self-contained episodes or varied pacing to maintain interest over longer viewing sessions. However, this can also dilute the suspense traditionally built through appointment viewing. While binge-watching allows for deeper immersion in stories, it challenges writers to find new ways to keep viewers engaged without relying solely on episodic cliffhangers.

Related terms

Serialized storytelling: A narrative format where a story is told over multiple episodes or installments, creating a longer arc that develops characters and plot over time.

Binge-watching:

The practice of watching multiple episodes of a television series in one sitting, often enabled by streaming services that release entire seasons at once.

Viewership ratings: A measurement of the percentage of a target audience that watches a particular show, which can influence network decisions and programming strategies.