|
Abstract:
|
In order to better understand how viewers , critics , journalists and series producers help shape the “quality TV” discourse and position shows within it , this project uses case studies of 30 Rock , Parks and Recreation and Parenthood to dissect how style , narrative and paratexts influence public discourse about “quality” programs both in print and on the Internet . Using Kristen Marthe Lentz’s theories on “quality TV” and “relevance programming ,” I examine how each show uses a cinematic style in combination with various strategies such as special episodes , narrative complexity , intertextuality , patriarchal narrative and feminism to align themselves with other “quality” series more readily found on basic and pay -cable , while also allowing viewers and critics on popular culture sites like the A .V . Club to make “quality” comparisons . |