Serialized vs. Procedural Shows

[Jamison]

Anyone that writes for virtual series writes procedural shows, or serialized shows. In some cases, writers can even develop projects using both styles. So, what's the difference?



A procedural series consists of self-contained or stand alone stories and episode. Each episode introduces a specific situation that the characters must solve by the end of the episode. This can also be called "case of the week." In a procedural, the weekly case is the focus, while the ongoing themes, if any, are secondary. Common procedurals are police and medical dramas such as any of the CSIs, ER, House, etc.



On the other hand, a serial or serialized show is one that comprises of overarching storylines/character issues that develop over the course of the season or series. These ongoing stories and themes take precedent and build towards a gradual climax. While serialized TV shows can contain ‘monster-of-the-week stories’ they are (often) secondary and used instead to explore/reflect the larger story/themes.
Originally posted: seriable.com/serialized-vs-procedural-television-series/#ixzz20LGgJOX2

Personally, I prefer serialized stories when it comes to reading and writing (watching, as well), because I believe in overarching character and plot development, taking precedent in a story, rather than the "case of the week" structure, that leaves little room for develop, to the magnitude that serials allow.

But, what are your opinions on the matter?

[Brady Brown]

I actually enjoy both. XD I've always been a fan of Law and Order, CSI, those type of shows. But I think serialized work better in capturing an audience, because of the overlying arcs they have. For example, the way The Vampire Diaries ends every episode. That hooks viewers into wanting to watch the next episode, to see how it will all play out. But some procedural shows do that, in few cases.

But when it comes to writing, I enjoy serialized more. XD I just think I have so many ideas for one particular episode, that I can't fit it all into one, which is why I usually have overlapping arcs. XD But I think a stand alone every once in a while is a good thing for me. XD So, yeah, I guess I enjoy both. XD

[Amin]

Definitely serialized for the reasons that you mentioned. Also, procedural leads to horrible fillers now and then.

[Jamison]

When a procedural series has a good, overlapping theme, I can really get into it. For example, the new show "Common Law," operates like any other cop show, but the underlying purpose on the show are the two partners, working out their problems in couples therapy. While the show can be a bit, predictable, when it comes to solving a case, I like the structure of each episode; having a case and discussion in therapy relate to one another. Plus, the show is really good at making me laugh, which is something I don't really find in many other police drams.

That being said, you're right ... I think it's a mixture of both, for a lot of us, but I believe serialized stories will always be my go-to structure when developing a series.

[Ms. Kerry]

I keep trying to think of which I like more, but I have to say I definitely like both. I haven't responded yet because I'm been sitting here trying to classify what Doctor Who is in order to figure out what I write Bad Wolf as...and I honestly DON'T KNOW! What I write is like...a mixture of the two, and I don't just mean Bad Wolf I count all my plans for Myth in there as well. Individual things happen in episodes but there is also a good chunk in each that plays into the over arching plot even if readers don't realize it at the time.

[Jamison]

Doctor Who is a hard one. I would say it was a procedural, first... but that's not really valid, because of all the stories that overlap in that show each season. I think it's a fine mixture of both.

[Jamison]

I really attempted to make "The Agency" a procedural/episodic series, but I have realized that it's just not possible for me to do that. I enjoy mystery and dramatic tension way too much. Everywhere I turn, there's an overlapping arc, or direct continuation from episode to episode. So, instead of trying to make the show strictly procedural, I'm thinking about doing the same thing I did with 'Trinity' and mixing a bit of both in there.

[Jason T. Davis]

That's my fault. I kept finding ways to intertwine two plot points or connect two separate arcs in the grander scheme of things. But I think it's for the best. The episodic structure would bore us both to death.

[guyrjames]

I feel that procedurals can get boring. I love them and I think it's great that you can turn on the tv and no matter what episode, season, etc, you can enjoy it without needing to know a huge backstory, but backstories and character development between episodes is what I love about writing. I definitely think you can find a good mix, but serialized is the way to go.