Can TV series be also called films?
- 28 Jul 2023
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Understanding the Difference: TV Series and Films
Let's knock on the door of our memory. Can you remember the first time you had a chunk of popcorn explode in your mouth just as an explosive scene unraveled in a film or TV series? Or how about the time when a stunning plot twist made you gasp out loud, much to the amusement of your cat lounging on the couch? Indeed, the zest and charm associated with watching TV series or films is unparalleled and a significant portion of our time is dedicated to this beloved pastime.
However, have you ever found yourself in the midst of a heated debate about whether TV series can also be called films? Trust me, it's just as fiery as arguing if pineapple on pizza is a sin or not. But fear not, here's your friendly, neighborhood blogger at your service, ready to unwrap this package of perplexity.
The Spark of Beginning: Birth of Films and TV Series
The inception of films sparkled in the 1890s. Remember, these were the times when people used to ride horses and read paper newspapers. And lo and behold, people got a new source of entertainment, a new medium of storytelling - movies. The thrill of watching moving images was indeed captivating, an era-defining moment.
TV series, on the other hand, did not make an entrance until the 1940s. What started as mere experiments, evolved into something so grand and irrevocable that today, they exist as a major part of our daily lives. They brought serialism into the world of visual storytelling and have been continuously acting as a major visual tales' stream.
Decoding The Basics
Yet, despite the different timeframes of their inception, the blurring lines between films and TV series can keep any curious enthusiast on their toes. Let's break it down. Films are generally one-time spectacles. They do not stretch beyond a couple of hours (unless you're watching The Irishman), and they typically make a conclusive statement.
TV series, on the other hand, are serial in nature, episodic, season after season, each leading to a new string of thought. They extend over a longer time period, constant attempts to keep the audience hooked with plots providing room for more extensive character and storyline development
.Intertwining Attributes
But over the years, the lines between the two mediums have gradually blurred. Films have grown episodic, seen in the flourishing franchise culture. Just think about it. Aren’t we always on the edge of our seats waiting for the next Marvel or DC movie to hit the theaters? On the flip side, several TV series like 'Sherlock' have deviated from the established norm and ventured into the domain of films.
Sherlock, each episode an hour-and-a-half-long, gives the feel and satisfaction of a film. Let me tell you, this is not a stand-alone instance. Many ongoing TV series are mirroring this trend, revamping the 'rule-book'.
The Pandora’s Box: Are they Synonymous?
Now we break open the Pandora’s Box. Can TV series be also called films? Here's the fun part - imagine trying to fit a square into a circle. It might fit, but not perfectly.
TV series can deviate from the 'serial' norm and resonate with the film form, but they are inherently not films. Their extended storyline and more episodic involvement cannot be condensed into a one-time presentation that films generally are. A TV series may feel and appear like a film, but its soul remains grounded to its original form.
Culture and Consumption
Understanding the cultural practices revolving around the consumption of TV series and films is also crucial. Just think about the trends. Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime – all streaming services that show individual episodes and entire series, often in a binge-watch fashion. The culture around TV series promotes continuous watching, complete immersion into the characters, and longing for the future plot unraveling.
Films, though they might also have sequels, their 'watching' culture promotes a more compact engagement – a complete plot, precise storytelling, and engagement within a limited span. Thus, while TV series and films may share certain characteristics, their cultural consumption further isolates them from being synonymous.
Final Frame: Conclusion
In the end, it’s safe to say that films and TV series are like siblings. They share common traits, they argue, they compete, but they also co-exist. They are similar yet different. A TV series might blur the lines and mystify with a 'filmic' feel, but it inherently cannot become a film. It has its own identity and unparalleled charm. So, the next time when the battle of words sprouts - 'Is TV series a film?', armed with knowledge and a bowl of popcorn, you know what to say!