Television Serials

Serials are series of television programs and radio programs that rely on a continuing plot that unfolds in a sequential episode-by-episode fashion. Serials typically follow main story arcs that span entire television seasons or even the full run of the series, which distinguishes them from traditional episodic television that relies on more stand-alone episodes. Worldwide, the soap opera is the most prominent form of serial dramatic programming.

Serials rely on keeping the full nature of the story hidden and revealing elements episode by episode to keep viewers tuning in to learn more. Often these shows employ recapping segments at the beginning and cliff-hangers at the end of each episode. Such shows also place a demand on viewers to tune into every episode to follow the plot. The invention of recording devices (such as VCRs, Digital video recorder (DVR) and TiVo) has made following these type of shows easier, which has resulted in increased success and popularity. Prior to the advent of DVRs, television networks shunned serials in prime time as they made broadcast programming reruns more difficult and television producers shunned them because they were tougher to go into broadcast syndication years down the road.

Serials contrast with episodic television, which relies on a more stand-alone format. Procedural drama television programs are commonly episodic.

In British television, "serial" is also synonymous with the American term "miniseries" – a short-run series with one title and plot. The conclusion of the serial is sometimes, but not necessarily, the end of the television program as a whole, as sequel serials will sometimes be made.