GBS_insertPreviewButtonPopup ISBN 9780748619016 An engaging and provocative study of the contemporary prime time quality serial television format this book gives a timely account of prominent programmes such as 24 Buffy the Vampire Slayer ER The Sopranos and The West Wing and explores their influential position within the television industry Divided into the areas of history aesthetics and reception the text provides an illuminating overview of an increasingly hybrid television studies discipline Chapters consider the formal and aesthetic elements in the contemporary television serial through approaches ranging from those concerned with issues of gender and sexuality national identity and reception to industry history and textual analysis The book also includes British examples of quality serial television emphasizing not only their cultural specificity but also the transnational context in which these programmes operate Key FeaturesSection introductions provide student friendly explanations of the various approaches and methodologies employed in the book Chapters are written by an international team of experts in the field of television studies Ideal for use as a textbook on courses in contemporary television taught at undergraduate level