Television has always been a powerful medium for storytelling. Over the years, it has evolved from simple weekly episodic shows to highly intricate and immersive narratives that rival novels and films. The art of storytelling in television is one that requires a careful balance of character development, plot structure, pacing, and visual elements. Whether it’s a heartwarming drama, a thrilling mystery, or a hilarious sitcom, television storytelling has the unique ability to engage audiences over long periods of time, creating deep emotional connections and unforgettable experiences.
In this article, we’ll explore how storytelling in television works, the elements that contribute to it, and how some of the most iconic shows have mastered this art. From the structure of an episode to the creation of multi-season story arcs, we’ll dive into the intricate process behind great television writing.
What Makes Great Television Storytelling?
Television storytelling is unique in the sense that it provides a long-form format, allowing stories to develop and evolve over time. In comparison to films, where the entire story is often told within two hours, television offers the luxury of time—sometimes across multiple seasons—to explore complex characters, intricate plots, and deep themes.
Character Development
One of the most important aspects of television storytelling is character development. Over the course of a series, characters are allowed to grow, change, and evolve in ways that keep audiences invested in their journeys. Whether they’re facing personal struggles, moral dilemmas, or external challenges, well-developed characters are what make television stories feel real and relatable.
Think about shows like Breaking Bad, where Walter White transforms from a humble high school chemistry teacher into a ruthless drug kingpin. This transformation unfolds gradually, making his journey both fascinating and tragic. The slow buildup of character development allows the audience to invest in the characters emotionally, making every decision and every plot twist more impactful.
Plot and Structure
Television stories often involve multiple plot lines that weave together to create a larger narrative. This can include an episodic format, where each episode tells a self-contained story, or a serialized format, where the plot unfolds over the course of a season or even an entire series. Each format requires its own kind of storytelling structure.
- Episodic Format: In an episodic show, each episode often follows a similar pattern, such as a beginning, middle, and end. While the episodes might revolve around different situations, they usually share common themes or characters. A good example of this would be shows like Friends or The Simpsons, where each episode is a standalone story but also contributes to the larger ongoing character development.
- Serialized Format: In serialized television, the plot is driven by a long-term story arc that spans multiple episodes or seasons. This type of storytelling allows for a deeper exploration of themes and character arcs, and often keeps viewers coming back for more. Shows like Game of Thrones or Stranger Things use this structure to create suspense, intrigue, and emotional investment over many hours of viewing.
A well-crafted plot in television is one that hooks the audience early on and keeps them coming back for more. The pacing of the plot is crucial—too slow, and viewers may lose interest; too fast, and they might not have enough time to absorb the emotional weight of the story.
Themes and Subtext
Television storytelling often involves exploring deeper themes and subtext that resonate with viewers on a personal or societal level. This can include topics like love, loss, identity, power, or morality. The best television shows don’t just tell a story—they make us think.
For example, The Sopranos explored the complexities of family dynamics, mental illness, and the mafia underworld, all while asking profound questions about the American Dream. The Wire gave a gritty, unflinching look at the urban decay, crime, and corruption within Baltimore, showcasing the challenges of social and economic structures.
By weaving these deeper themes into the narrative, television shows can provoke thoughtful discussion and create lasting emotional impacts. These stories often leave viewers reflecting on the characters’ decisions and their own lives long after the credits roll.
Visual Storytelling
Television isn’t just about dialogue and plot—it’s also about how the story is visually told. Cinematography, color, lighting, and camera angles all play a significant role in how a story is conveyed. Visual storytelling can set the tone, emphasize emotions, and even enhance the narrative without the need for words.
In Breaking Bad, for example, the use of color was a crucial element in visual storytelling. The clothing, props, and set design all conveyed important details about the characters’ mental states and moral transformations. Walter White’s transition from bright colors to darker shades reflected his descent into the world of crime and corruption.
Dialogue and Writing
Of course, writing is at the core of television storytelling. The dialogue needs to be sharp, engaging, and true to the characters. It’s through the dialogue that characters’ personalities, motivations, and relationships are revealed. Strong writing also includes crafting witty, memorable lines that stick with audiences long after the episode ends.
Think about the famous lines from The West Wing like “What’s next?” or the snappy one-liners from The Office that are instantly recognizable. These quotes are more than just funny—they give insight into the characters and their worldviews, while also adding depth to the story.
Iconic Television Shows and Their Masterful Storytelling
Now that we’ve explored the key elements of storytelling in television, let’s look at some iconic shows that have mastered these techniques.
Breaking Bad
Storytelling Excellence: One of the best examples of long-term character development and intricate plotting, Breaking Bad follows Walter White as he transitions from a mild-mannered chemistry teacher into a feared drug lord. Over five seasons, the show explores his moral descent, the consequences of his actions, and the impact on his family.
The plot is carefully constructed to keep viewers on edge, and the writing is sharp, often punctuated with moments of humor or chilling tension. Breaking Bad is a masterclass in how to tell a story about the moral gray areas of life and the complexities of human behavior.
The Sopranos
Storytelling Excellence: As a crime drama and psychological exploration, The Sopranos delves into the mind of Tony Soprano, a mafia boss dealing with personal and professional issues. The show blends drama and dark humor, often exploring the contradictions and complexities of Tony’s character, as well as the themes of family, loyalty, and power.
The series uses visual storytelling and symbolism to convey the inner turmoil of its characters, especially Tony. The scenes are often dreamlike or surreal, reflecting his struggles with his conscience and mental health. The Sopranos is widely praised for its depth, character-driven storytelling, and its ability to confront difficult themes head-on.
Game of Thrones
Storytelling Excellence: Based on the A Song of Ice and Fire books by George R.R. Martin, Game of Thrones captivated audiences with its sprawling plot, numerous characters, and unpredictable twists. The series is a prime example of a show that masters both episodic and serialized storytelling, with each season building on the last, all while keeping viewers invested in multiple intersecting storylines.
Game of Thrones’s themes of power, betrayal, and survival were explored through a richly detailed world filled with complex characters. Its success lay in its ability to surprise viewers with shocking deaths and plot twists, while still maintaining a focus on deep character arcs and the harsh realities of its fantasy world.
Stranger Things
Storytelling Excellence: Stranger Things is a nostalgic love letter to the 1980s, blending supernatural horror with heartwarming friendships and family dynamics. The show follows a group of kids as they uncover the mystery behind strange occurrences in their small town, including the appearance of a girl with mysterious powers.
At its core, Stranger Things is about friendship, loyalty, and growing up. It uses a mix of science fiction, horror, and adventure to keep the audience engaged. The show’s ability to blend these genres while maintaining strong character development and emotional stakes is what makes it a standout in modern television storytelling.
The Office
Storytelling Excellence: The Office is a mockumentary-style sitcom that revolves around the everyday lives of the employees at a mundane paper company. What makes The Office stand out is its ability to tell the story of ordinary people in a relatable, humorous, and often heartwarming way.
Through its quirky characters and hilarious, awkward situations, the show explores workplace dynamics, friendship, and romance. The unique documentary format allows for a more intimate connection with the characters, while the writing offers sharp observational humor that makes the mundane feel extraordinary.
Conclusion
The art of storytelling in television is a delicate and intricate process, involving character development, plot structure, themes, visual elements, and dialogue. Great television shows have mastered these elements, creating narratives that resonate deeply with audiences. Whether it’s a gripping drama like Breaking Bad, a complex family saga like The Sopranos, or a supernatural thriller like Stranger Things, the best shows have one thing in common: they keep us hooked with compelling stories that keep us coming back for more.
Television has truly evolved into an art form, and the stories it tells continue to shape the cultural landscape. From the small screen to the global stage, the power of television storytelling remains one of the most important and influential mediums of our time