Hills (2004) lists a number of defining characteristics of cult TV that contain similarities to the defining characteristics of pop genres (e.g. fantasy, science fiction) discussed earlier in the Pop Genres paper. Can you identify these and discuss why you think that these characteristics are repeatedly viewed as underpinning popular genres.
Firstly, Hills (2004), defines Cult TV as textual analysis and states that It is dependant on texts. Cult TV is also thought to be the best group as text hailing from genres such as Science Fiction, fantasy and horror. Secondly, Cult TV is defined through secondary texts or inter-texts and depends on inter-texts (Hills, 2004)
According to Fiske (1991, as cited in Hills, 2004p. 509) “secondary texts such as criticism or publicity, work to promote the circulation of selected meanings of the primary text”. Fiske (1991 as cited in Hills, 2004) also states that secondary texts also influence television’s meanings. Hills (2004), stats that the term ‘Cult’ circulates through media culture. Hills (2004, p. 510), also explains that “the definition is basically tautological, ‘Cult TV’ is what is labelled cult TV in journalistic coverage or publicity”. Hills (2004) affirms that Cult TV is not a mater of programmes or secondary texts which associate the meaning to ‘Cult’ or attach this label to certain programmes.
Hills (2004), also defines Cult TV as being dependent on fan activities, that is to say fans of Cult TV express their suggestions which arises cult’s status similarly through audience’s passion for TV show. This shows that the popularity of Cult TV is developed by fans and not by media producers. Cult TV is dependent on texts. “Cult TV is characterised by a number of shared textual attributes”(Hills, 2004, p. 511). Containing fantastic, narrative worlds which basically transcends what we learn onscreen, hence Cult TV represents narrative worlds.
The fantastic nature of these world shown through Cult TV is also significant. As Hills (2004), asserts that a fantasized world is shown in for example the “Buffyverse” the wish lead to scenarios leading to science fiction and vampires which are a kind of demon in the narrative world of “Doctor Who”. Science fiction, fantasy, horror are different varieties of Cult TV defining and developing fantastic beings and shows worlds over a long period of time and in detail. Fantastic worlds and extraordinary features are what Cult TV appeals to its audience overtime (Hills, 2004).
Cult TV makes fantastic world appear normal and narrative structure, but due to audiences preference Cult TV has become entirely familiar to its audience and is highly appreciated but the audience. Hills (2004), also explains that Cult TV emphasises on fantasy and fanatical world with its own narrative rules and does not slip off to parody, Cult TV also represents non-sexualised characters. In terms of relationship it shows primary relationship within close knit community for example the Scooby Gang in Buffy. Hills (2004), states that in contrast, Cult TV focuses on defining narratives or puzzle that is related to fantastic narrative world. All these explanations of Cult TV closely relate to and share the qualities of fantastic hyperdiegesis, hence, these features are highly appreciated by the audience and these characteristics are repeatedly viewed as underpinning popular genres due to its popularity and similarities that define characteristics of popular genres.
Reference:
Hills, M. (2004). Defining Cult TV; Texts, Inter-texts and Fan Audiences, The Television Studies Reader, in R. C. Allen & A. Hill. London and New York: Routledge.
Buffy The Vampire Slayer and the Romantic Gothic. AUT Screening: Buffy The Vampire Slayer: ‘The battle between good and evil’
If we compare many cult tv shows with popular genres,we can see that they are often defined as "low fantasy" ie. they contain elements of the supernatural in OUR world. We relate to Buffy because its happening in a neighborhood just like our own, with characters just like us. Same with Angel, Roswell, even shows that take place in space such as Star Trek - they contain environments, people and references that we can all relate to. This is the same with anime (such as Trinity Blood) and comics (like Tin Tin).
ReplyDeleteI agree that the influence of fans impact both cult tv and popular genres. If there was no demand people wouldnt make them.
A in-depth overview of Hill's (2004) chapter - although it would have been good to make the connection between Hill's definition of Cult and general Pop Genres clearer (with more descriptions of relevant PGs to exemplify your arguments). I think Helen's comment above provides a good start.
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