TV

On demand streaming services are fast becoming popular platforms for watching films and TV. They have also changed *how* we watch, in particular how we watch TV series.

Often referred to as binge-watching, people are able to watch an entire season or series in one session if they so choose. This is great in some ways (for example shows like Arrested Development and Master of None are created with a greater flow from one episode to the next, allowing for more time spent on creativity and less time on recaps), yet perhaps not so good in others.

Viewers lose that excited expectation of seeing their favourite show over a number of weeks, TV becomes less of a social event between friends and colleagues watching the same show at the same time and more of a solitary activity, and as binge-watching suggests it can be hard to know when to stop, and too much TV watching is associated with health problems.

An article could take a nostalgic look back to pre-streaming television, overall weighing up the pros and cons between both, without writing off non-streaming TV due to the more obvious convenience benefits of streaming. In short, as with anything else delayed gratification can be good for us!

A case study style piece on relationships in popular sitcoms with the aim of discussing progression (or lack of) in the sitcom genre, for example – Sam and Diane in Cheers, Ross and Rachel in Friends, Niles and Daphne in Frasier, Ted and Robin / Barney and Robin / Lily and Marshall in How I Met Your Mother, Jim and Pam in The Office, Penny and Leonard (and other relationships) in The Big Bang Theory, Andy and April in Parks and Recreation, the range of relationships in Modern Family (particularly Cam and Mitchell and how the show plays with gender roles in a gay coupling). Do these shows challenge gender norms or not, and to what extent is this only due to shows moving with the times? Are some modern shows handling relationship dynamics better than others?

Explore the gender dynamics in the Starz original series Spartacus. Possible themes to analyze:

-"Equal opportunity" nudity: While there is a good deal of female nudity in Spartacus, there's also a fair amount of male nudity. How are bodies used visually? Is there a difference depending on gender, or is it truly equal? The concept of the male gaze could be discussed here, as well as shows criticized for an imbalance skewed toward far more female nudity than male.

-Power Dynamics, Agency, and Sexual Violence: In the show, there are stark power issues between the Roman elite and the enslaved (and later freed) individuals. Power is something that permeates this entire topic, even above when considering how the show treats nudity. Spartacus also contains sexual violence, and attention is given to female rape survivors such as Aurelia and Naevia, but it is also worth mentioning that, in the case of enslaved men such as Spartacus, Crixus, and Varro, they are often shown engaging in intercourse with Roman upperclass women (Lucretia and Ilithyia) or, in Varro's case, enslaved women for the benefit of entertaining the Romans.

In these circumstances, the enslaved men are stripped of their agency and have no means to refuse these interactions. Because their consent is never taken into account, these acts are rape. Analyzing the difference between how male and female rape survivors are treated, as well as how their abusers and the abuse is framed (such as male-on-female assault in contrast to female-on-male), could be beneficial.

-Marriages and expectations: Spartacus also deals with societal gender expectations. As an example, Batiatus and Lucretia are happily married despite troubles conceiving (an issue Lucretia internalizes as her fault, possibly due to not being younger) and infidelity. Lucretia specifically calls out the double standard of women being shamed for their needs and adultery much more than men. Also, because she does conceive with a man who is not her husband, the blame toward her inability to get pregnant is misplaced, but still something that puts far more pressure on her than Batiatus.

-Tropes such as the warrior woman (most of the freed women) and the Lost Lenore (Sura's death, which motivates Spartacus to rebel)

Discuss the polyamorous marriage depicted between the two lead characters, Frank and Claire Underwood, in Netflix's House of Cards. Is the relationship depicted accurate or contrived? What does this depiction do for the characters on the show? How does the depiction of polyamory on television change society's perception of these relationships?

Analyze the development of certain characters throughout the series. For example, in the earliest seasons, Kenny is known for dying in most episodes. Later, his character is allowed to develop, since he doesn't die quite as frequently. Also, his identity as Mysterion and more active participation in recent episodes gives his character a bit more depth. Similarly, Wendy becomes more than just the girl Stan has a crush on and later dates. As the series progressed, she is portrayed as intelligent and thoughtful. Cartman can also be discussed, either as an example of a character whose characterization has changed (i.e. more outrageous) or as a character that remains more or less the same. Discuss the ramifications of such character development in relation to the show's themes and direction.

It's very hard to find a book about two men falling in love. Most of the time, if there are lesbians in TV or a movie, it is mostly to appeal the male audience. Females are used as sexual items. But, for the past few years, there have been breakthroughs. TV shows such as Faking It on MTV, or shows like Orange is the New Black really do show lesbian relationships and struggles. Are homosexual relationships finally becoming more common?

Generally, a discussion on what Netflix-exclusive shows do differently than their network counterparts.

You have shows like Senses8, Orange is the New Black, Jessica Jones, Daredevil, Master of None, Bojack Horseman and etc.

What do these shows prove differently than shows that are on network television like How to get Away with Murder and Scandal, even Grey's Anatomy. Shows that show the grittiness just like Netflix shows, but in what ways do they differ in what type of grit you can use on network television shows compared to Netflix where creativity is the producer and directors own.

Analyze how Shonda Rhimes incorporates events that are happening in America today, such as black lives matter movement, gay rights, women rights, etc. in the tv show Scandal.