TV series are among the most popular forms of entertainment right now, with 532 scripted programs airing in 2019 alone. With all that content, it can be complicated to figure out what to watch. Here are a few of the most popular genres you can choose from for your next binge.
A Guide to TV Series Genres
1. Drama
Drama series are one of the most popular options on the air. This umbrella term encompasses many different subgenres, including medical, teen, sci-fi, romantic, and family. These stories are fictitious (or fiction based on real events) and follow characters throughout their lives. Some of the most popular drama shows include Breaking Bad, Mad Men, The Walking Dead, and Grey’s Anatomy.
2. Crime Drama
Crime dramas follow the lives of law enforcement officers, lawyers, or detectives as they solve crimes. Sometimes a new case is showcased every episode, or episodes may build off each other to create a story arc. The shows follow how investigations are done and how trials take place. Some examples of crime dramas include CSI, Law & Order: SVU, Criminal Minds, and NCIS.
3. Sitcom
The word “sitcom” is short for situational comedy. This type of TV show features a fixed set of characters in hilarious, real-life situations. Some shows are recorded in front of live studio audiences or contain laugh tracks. Some recent sitcoms include The Big Bang Theory, Modern Family, 2 Broke Girls, and How I Met Your Mother.
4. Reality-TV
Not all TV shows are scripted. Unscripted shows are called reality TV, and they follow real people who are continuously filmed as they go about their lives. Some shows feature people in their day-to-day circumstances, while others bring people together for a competition. These shows often feature talking heads or interviews with the contestants to give viewers context for what they’re seeing. Some popular reality TV shows include The Bachelor, The Amazing Race, Big Brother, and Keeping Up With the Kardashians.
5. Dramedy
Dramedies are shows that have both dramatic and comedic elements. They’re different from sitcoms because there are more serious components that the laughs need to be balanced with. These shows are popular because they have an engaging plot while still being fun to watch. Some dramedies include Scrubs, Gilmore Girls, Shameless, and Psych.
If you’re looking for your next TV series, check out 85 Central, a crime drama web series that showcases the lives of criminals and law enforcement officers. It has a cast of amazing up-and-coming actors and includes comedic elements, tough themes, and a realistic portrayal of urban life. The characters explore the complicated process of determining guilt from innocence while lives hang in the balance. You can watch a trailer for the series or start binging all 10 episodes on Amazon right now.