| Title | : | The Cult TV Book |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781848850262 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 273 |
| Publication | : | First published January 1, 2010 |
The Cult TV Book sheds light on the heretofore under-examined science of addictive TV programming, pinpointing the complex arcs and intentionally inadequate explanations that keep viewers coming back for more. The contributors cover every corner of the cult map, all the while trying to define the elusive genre, to understand the cult TV obsession from the outside in.
The Cult TV Book Reviews
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I really liked this anthology because the subject matter is super interesting and they Stacey Abbot did a great job of showing many aspects of the culture surround cult TV. This anthology wasn't edited amazingly but it didn't suck me out of this book because the essays chosen had some interesting things to say. They varied in subject from what cult TV is, cult TV show analysis, fan culture, US/British network strategies as they relate to cult TV, and the digital age. I'm sure there's more. Also, the contributors ranged from TV writers like Jane Espenson to tie-in and fan fiction writers.
It wasn't all good, though. Some essays dragged on and on. Others were poorly written or overly complicated. I also thought it was a bit much to have an entire chapter/section devoted to British children's cult TV but it is a British book so maybe I'm in the wrong. Overall, this was a great purchase. I learned a ton and gained new perspectives about TV shows that I love.
The Buffyverse was well represented. I'm pleased. -
Somewhat dry academic read pertaining to the advent & spread of "cult/cutting edge" TV shows and the creation of many different media platforms to exploit those shows and their respective fans' interests. Just in the time that has elapsed since this was first published, many of the aspects within the book have already become "mainstream" and broadly accepted, or completely outdated and discarded. Little too much emphasis on marginally impactful syndicated Sci-Fi shows for my taste. However, the main message I took from this book is that many of the unique ideas and approaches to creating TV series that are included have led to what is undeniably a new Golden Age of Television.
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The Cult TV Book is a compilation of essays written by people who have studied television and/or worked in the industry. Essays cover topics from what makes a show "cult" (audience investment and loyalty mostly) to fandom behaviors, levels of celebrity, and case studies on specific cult favorites like Buffy, The Prisoner, and Doctor Who. My most beloved shows have all generally been "cult" and I liked seeing old friends that no one seems to know (like Wonderfalls) name-dropped among these glorious televisory pages. A fun and informative read for anyone who has loved a television show.
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It's like this book was written with me in mind! Academic writings on television I adore! The essays in this book are well written and interesting. They offer excellent citations for further reading, and it's obvious that the authors are knowledgeable about what they are writing. I took off a star because I found several errors (name misspellings, or in one case where the author referred to Sam and Dean Winchester as twins).
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Read for my paper. Not horribly informative. Useful information one what makes a cult show, but some of the shows it chose to focus on seemed arbitrary.
Interesting chapter about the book tie ins, and why they often contain information that contradicts canon. -
Although not as in depth as I would occasionally like, this is an excellent overview of cult TV and the shows that make up the body thereof.
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Not quite as in-depth as I would have liked, but a good overview of some cult shows.
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Terrifically helpful and accessible for students - it was great to give them the Jane Espenson chapter on how to write a cult show.
