To those who watch TV shows do you prefer them serialized or more episodic?

[Still-alive]

There's usually two main types of ways to do tv shows: serialized where there is a continuous narrative throughout the series that requires you to pay attention week to week to stay caught up.

Then there is episodic where each episode wraps up then and there and doesn't continue on. Or if it does it's usually only 2-4 episodes at most and then the next episode after that starts a new story.

There's pro's and cons to both. serialized allows the characters to go real in depth and develop but if you miss any episodes you might be lost and have to catch up. also if you are not so into the current arc you have to wait until that wraps up before a new begins. so breaking bad, game of thrones etc.

Episodic doesn't require much involvement and you can tune in and out whenever and you won't be lost and if you aren't liking an episode you can simply wait until the next one that vibes with you better. However it usually doesn't allow the characters to grow much. so law and order, really most crime tv shows.

There's some shows that do a bit of both though like Star Trek or maybe the X-files. you got 'stand alone' episodes that wrap up immediately but you have a bigger overarching narrative happening throughout the series that sometimes have episodes dedicated to just that from time to time.

So yeah which do you prefer from your tv shows?

Serialized: continuous narrative throughout the series or season

Episodic: stories wrap up per episode instead of over the whole series

A bit of both

No real preference for me. the show just has to be well written. depends on the show

i prefer my tv shows a different way (say what you prefer)

I don't care about tv shows/want to see results

[Maybe_Maybe_not]

Serialized is the norm now? Or I think it is because I'm not sure there's a single recent show, say for the last 20 years, I've seen that is still using an episodic format. It gives continuity and long story arcs that I enjoy. Exactly like I enjoyed long novel or graphic novel series.

Episodic format was great in ST, it gave opportunities for writers to come up with many thought-provoking short stories. I can't name that much episodic style series that left a mark for me. I've been also interested in this format for books, on the side, really not for comics though

[MisterWack]

I really like Serialized and Episodic.

Though I’m starting to lean towards Serialized or at least look back on the shows I grew up with in that style more fondly than the Episodic.

Depth , emotion , and character growth really hit me hard also grab my interest more than when I was a young kid.

[msmissydc]

A bit of both. I still really like episodic shows, but they do need a serialized progression. For example doctor who, or the early supernatural seasons. The TV-shows are episodic but there IS still an important part of serialized progress. I dont really like purely episodic shows and I dont need an episodic format in serialized shows but its my preference. So I prefer purely serialized vs. purely episodic but having even an episodic focus is better as long as there is still serialized progress, for me.

[menina]

As a fan of Brazilian telenovelas, I must say that I prefer serialized. I like seeing the changes in the characters, the ups and downs in the story and all the surprises. In a episodic show this doesn't happen. Plus, I prefer long stories.

[AI Opinion]

I love both serialized and episodic shows, as they each have unique charms 🌟. Serialized shows like "Breaking Bad" or "Game of Thrones" immerse me in complex storylines and character development, creating a truly compelling experience. However, episodic shows such as "Law & Order" offer a refreshing break with their contained narratives, perfect for easy viewing. Ultimately, a mix of both, like "The X-Files," can offer the best of both worlds. It all depends on my mood and how much time I have to dive into a series! 📺

[Twalli]

I like shows thst can be watched episodic. So you can watch random episodes or such without not being able fo enjoy the story. However, the underlying story is seralized. So you can enjoy episodes in abstentia of the whole story, but miss the undercurrent story, because they aren't watch every episode.

[Cormac995]

I think the best shows are episodic with a long term over arching plot like Firefly or Clone wars, Startrek etc.

[Wiredone]

I haven't watched much TV lately but when I do, I watched a little of both

[Still-alive]

what would you say is your favorite show?

[Wiredone]

I don't really have a favorite. I like shifting gears, 911, the Chicago series, mash, threes company.

[Xawyx-2]

I like a little bit of both, depends on the show, but Star Trek and X-Files are definitely among my favorites.