1887
Volume 14, Issue 2
  • ISSN 1874-8767
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Abstract

Abstract

Quality TV is a multi-layered phenomenon that often expresses itself through its formal qualities. This article asks to what extent form also depends on cultural origin. It compares the Spanish historical series (RTVE) and the Anglo-American (Netflix) by subjecting their narrative and medium-specific styles to a mixed method analysis. Despite similar authorial intentions, invests in action and dialogue and in cinematic style; furthermore, ’s teleological and political narrative contrasts with ’s fragmented, more private narrative. While both series ingeniously adapt their telling to their historical periods, the Spanish understanding of history as a feat of memorization simplifies the narrative to thicken factual density, whereas the more metacognitive Anglo-American approach to history ensures a multi-level reading of the account, which is more in line with quality TV.

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2022-05-24
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  • Article Type: Research Article
Keyword(s): cultural origin of form; historical series; Isabel; quality TV; The Crown
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