Every Show Has Template

The world of television is filled with a vast array of shows, each with its unique storyline, characters, and format. However, despite their differences, many shows follow a template or a set of guidelines that have been proven to be successful in the past. This template can include elements such as character archetypes, plot twists, and themes that are commonly used in the genre.

The use of templates in television shows is not a new concept. In fact, many classic shows have been based on tried and true formulas that have been used for decades. For example, the "buddy cop" genre, which includes shows like "Miami Vice" and "Lethal Weapon," typically features two mismatched partners who must work together to solve crimes. This template has been used countless times, but it remains a popular and effective way to tell a story.

Another example of a template can be seen in the "medical drama" genre. Shows like "Grey's Anatomy" and "ER" follow a similar format, with a team of doctors and nurses working together to save lives and navigate the challenges of their personal and professional relationships. This template has been used to great success, with many medical dramas becoming incredibly popular and enduring.

The use of templates in television shows can be beneficial in many ways. For one, it allows writers to focus on the characters and storylines, rather than having to come up with a completely new and original concept. It also provides a sense of familiarity and comfort for viewers, who can tune in to a show and know what to expect. Additionally, templates can be used to subvert expectations and create surprises, keeping viewers engaged and interested in the story.

Character Archetypes

Character archetypes are a key component of many television show templates. These archetypes, such as the hero, villain, and sidekick, provide a foundation for character development and can be used to create complex and interesting characters. The hero archetype, for example, is often used in shows like "Superman" and "Batman," where the protagonist must use their powers and abilities to save the world from evil.

The use of character archetypes can also be seen in shows like "The Office" and "Parks and Recreation," where the characters are often based on common workplace archetypes, such as the boss, the employee, and the intern. These archetypes provide a sense of familiarity and relatability, making it easier for viewers to connect with the characters and become invested in their stories.

Plot Twists

Plot twists are another key element of many television show templates. These twists, which can include surprises like betrayals, revelations, and unexpected alliances, are used to keep viewers engaged and interested in the story. The use of plot twists can be seen in shows like "Game of Thrones" and "The Walking Dead," where the characters are often faced with unexpected challenges and surprises.

The use of plot twists can also be used to subvert expectations and create surprises. For example, a show like "The Twilight Zone" often used plot twists to create a sense of surprise and unease, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats and guessing until the very end.

Themes

Themes are a key component of many television show templates. These themes, which can include ideas like friendship, love, and redemption, provide a foundation for the story and can be used to create a sense of depth and meaning. The use of themes can be seen in shows like "Friends" and "The Big Bang Theory," where the characters' relationships and interactions are often used to explore themes like friendship and love.

The use of themes can also be used to create a sense of social commentary. For example, a show like "Black-ish" often uses themes like racism and social justice to comment on current events and issues. This can be a powerful way to use television as a medium for social commentary and to spark important conversations and discussions.

Benefits of Templates

The use of templates in television shows can have many benefits. For one, it allows writers to focus on the characters and storylines, rather than having to come up with a completely new and original concept. This can be especially helpful for new shows, which may not have the luxury of a large budget or a lot of time to develop a completely original concept.

The use of templates can also provide a sense of familiarity and comfort for viewers. When viewers tune in to a show, they often know what to expect, and this can be a major draw. For example, a show like "Law & Order" has been on the air for decades, and its formula has become incredibly familiar to viewers. This familiarity can be a major advantage, as it allows viewers to tune in and know what to expect.

Common Templates

There are many common templates used in television shows. One of the most popular is the "procedural" template, which includes shows like "Law & Order" and "CSI." This template typically features a team of investigators who must solve a crime or mystery, and it often includes a formulaic structure, with each episode featuring a new case and a new set of characters.

Another common template is the "serialized" template, which includes shows like "Game of Thrones" and "The Walking Dead." This template typically features a complex, ongoing storyline, with each episode building on the previous one. This can be a powerful way to tell a story, as it allows for complex characters and plotlines, and it can keep viewers engaged and interested over a long period of time.

Examples of Successful Templates

There are many examples of successful templates in television shows. One of the most iconic is the "Star Trek" franchise, which has been on the air for decades and has included numerous shows, including "The Original Series," "The Next Generation," and "Deep Space Nine." The "Star Trek" template typically features a team of characters who must explore the galaxy and encounter new and unexpected challenges.

Another example of a successful template is the "Marvel Cinematic Universe," which includes shows like "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." and "Daredevil." This template typically features a team of superheroes who must work together to save the world from evil, and it often includes a complex, ongoing storyline, with each episode building on the previous one.

Challenges of Using Templates

While templates can be a powerful tool for creating successful television shows, they can also present challenges. One of the biggest challenges is the risk of becoming too formulaic, with each episode feeling like a repeat of the previous one. This can be especially true for procedural shows, which often feature a formulaic structure, with each episode featuring a new case and a new set of characters.

Another challenge of using templates is the risk of becoming too predictable. When viewers know what to expect from a show, they may become bored or disengaged, and this can be a major problem for shows that rely on surprises and plot twists to keep viewers engaged.

Solutions to Common Challenges

There are several solutions to the common challenges of using templates in television shows. One solution is to subvert expectations and create surprises, keeping viewers engaged and interested in the story. This can be done by introducing new characters or plotlines, or by using unexpected twists and turns to keep the story fresh and exciting.

Another solution is to use templates in a way that is flexible and adaptable, allowing for changes and surprises along the way. This can be especially helpful for serialized shows, which often feature complex, ongoing storylines, and it can help to keep viewers engaged and interested over a long period of time.

Gallery of TV Show Templates

TV Show Templates Image Gallery

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a template in television shows?

+

A template in television shows refers to a set of guidelines or a formula that is used to create a show. This can include elements such as character archetypes, plot twists, and themes.

What are the benefits of using templates in television shows?

+

The benefits of using templates in television shows include the ability to focus on characters and storylines, providing a sense of familiarity and comfort for viewers, and allowing for the creation of complex and interesting characters.

What are some common templates used in television shows?

+

Some common templates used in television shows include the procedural template, the serialized template, and the buddy cop template. These templates can be used to create a wide range of shows, from dramas and comedies to science fiction and fantasy series.

How can templates be used to create successful television shows?

+

Templates can be used to create successful television shows by providing a foundation for the story and characters, allowing for the creation of complex and interesting characters, and providing a sense of familiarity and comfort for viewers.

What are some challenges of using templates in television shows?

+

Some challenges of using templates in television shows include the risk of becoming too formulaic, the risk of becoming too predictable, and the challenge of creating complex and interesting characters within the constraints of the template.

In conclusion, the use of templates in television shows is a common and effective way to create successful and engaging stories. By providing a foundation for the story and characters, templates can allow writers to focus on the details and create complex and interesting characters. While there are challenges to using templates, such as the risk of becoming too formulaic or predictable, these can be overcome by using the template in a flexible and adaptable way, and by subverting expectations and creating surprises. We hope this article has provided you with a deeper understanding of the role of templates in television shows, and has inspired you to think creatively about the possibilities of storytelling. If you have any thoughts or questions, please don't hesitate to comment below and share this article with your friends and family.