We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Movies

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is a Genre Show?

By T. Carrier
Updated: May 23, 2024
Views: 31,261
References
Share

Although a genre typically refers to any creative work that can fit into a category, in television the term often references television shows with a science fiction focus. Features of the genre show include combined scientific and speculative elements and special effects. Specific audiences, characters, and themes may also influence this type of show.

A genre show is a form of niche programming designed to attract a specific audience. In the sci-fi genre, this audience often consists of younger individuals, particularly males. Makers of science fiction may also seek other avenues, such as a genre film or a comic book series.

Like most genres in other mediums, a genre show is usually bound by an unofficial set of rules, although implementation of these rules can be applied in a liberal manner. Perhaps the most guiding principle of a work of science fiction is an element of speculation, or ‘What if?” As such, a genre show often deals with what might happen if a certain situation — often one with a somewhat scientific basis — were to occur. For example, many genre shows have addressed various scenarios for humans making contact with extraterrestrial beings or traveling through time.

While many such shows do have a scientific foundation and attempt to apply real scientific principles when possible, an element of supernatural fantasy still remains in numerous shows. Genre shows often make use of technology that has not been created, but may be created in the future. Spiritual beings like ghosts or fantastical creatures like animal-human hybrids may make appearances in a work of science fiction as well, since another major component of a genre show is world-building, or creating a reality different from one’s own. Some genre shows even cross a line into horror if they emphasize frightful or gory experiences.

In addition, certain character types and settings may be more prevalent in a genre show. Renegade scientists or law enforcement officials, for example, are often needed for a scenario that involves global threats. For shows that take place in outer space, courageous astronomic travelers are in larger supply, as are alien beings. The everyman who is thrust into a fantastic situation is another common prototype for the sci fi genre. Common backdrops for a science fiction show include space, parallel dimensions, or a futuristic version of Earth.

As for production techniques, due to its nature a genre show may be laden with special effects. Since the setting and character types may feature otherworldly elements or fantastic technology, the show’s crew may need advanced technology such as computer generated imaging to realize the broad scope of the story. Sophisticated makeup application or costume design may be needed as well.

The genre show occupies an unusual place in the television landscape. It often serves as a subtle symbol for real-world issues. Many early and mid-20th century science fiction stories, for example, worked as metaphors for fears about the rising interconnectedness of the world and threats of foreign invasion. At the same time, these shows are often snubbed by critics and mainstream audiences as low-brow, so they become cult hits and attract small but fiercely devoted audiences.

Share
WiseTour is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources

Related Articles

Discussion Comments
By Certlerant — On Dec 09, 2013
As comic book- and sci-fi television series-based movies become more and more prevalent in mainstream U.S. culture, is the genre show idea becoming obsolete?

In recent years, reincarnations of the original Star Trek series and oft-sequeled Superman and Batman installments are as common as original movie ideas.

As Hollywood delves deeper into the science fiction world, will the what-if scenarios that used to play out mainly among die-hard fans become new mainstream movie ideas?

Share
https://www.wisetour.com/what-is-a-genre-show.htm
Copy this link
WiseTour, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseTour, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.