There are three different types of Narrative Fiction programs in terms of the typical TV sitcom. Series, Serial, and Episodic. Of these the most common among sitcoms is an episodic story.
An Episodic story means that each episode ends with some sort of resolution and in the end the characters are all back to normal. There is not much character arc in this format, and even if a character “learns something”, inevitably they will just go back to their old ways in the next episode. Almost as if the events in the previous episode never happened. In fact it is rare that the characters will bring up past adventures in an episodic story line. For the most part all problems seem to be solved within a thirty minute time period, and then never referenced again. There are however some TV sitcoms that started as episodic and can either present features of a series or turn into one. One such example is my favorite animated TV show, The Venture Brothers.
The Venture Brothers is a story about a washed up 'super scientist' and his two sons, and all of the exploits and adventures they go on. This show started out as more of an episodic storyline. Each episode presented a problem, like the titular characters Hank and Dean Venture being captured by a super villain and their bodyguard, Brock has to save him. Each episode presented these conflicts and solved them, more or less with-in thirty minutes. However, after the completion of Season 1 the show adapted into more of a series. The episodes still resolved within the time frame of the show, but events and plot devices stayed with each character. Some characters began to die off, and did not come back, while other characters really developed throughout each episode. We the audience get to see this constant development of the characters, especially that of Hank and Dean. This show is as of yet not completed, with still just one episode left until the finally. So it is not known if the show was all heading in a single direction from the start. If the finally sums up the events that have happened and ties all lose ends together then yes, I would say it truly has become a series.
If you haven't guessed by now I am a huge fan of the Venture Brothers. If I could go off and tell you more I would, but I would not be following this blog prompt if I did. So I instead urge you to watch it for yourself. It is a great story, with great characters, references, and a brilliant theme of 'failure' and how we all are in a way. As for the prompt of this blog however, I would say that this is a perfect example of an evolution from episodic to series.
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