ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at the traditional model of broadcast television structure, which still exists and will continue to exist, in addition to on-demand streaming. Broadcast network procedurals, such as Law & Order, CSI, Grey’s Anatomy, and The Good Doctor, deal with a new case each week. Serials contain more complex storylines that span multiple episodes or even seasons. Comedies are generally classified as either multi-camera or single-camera sitcoms. Multi-camera sitcoms are more contained and primarily shot indoors on the same sets week after week. The best any showrunner can do is hope for the best and course correct, as needed. The A story primarily services the central concept of the series – known as the franchise. Serials often have several runners because there are more characters “to service.”
