TV shows
Scheduled serial programming
TV shows are programs produced for broadcast on television, ranging from scripted dramas and comedies to reality competitions, news programs, and documentaries.
The term encompasses both traditional network programming and content made for streaming platforms, though purists sometimes distinguish between the two.
A TV show typically runs in episodes, often grouped into seasons.
What TV shows are you watching right now?
The phrase has largely replaced older terms like "television program" in casual conversation.
Episodic TV comedy series
- dramaTheatrical art or turmoil
- comedyWork meant to amuse
- thrillerSuspense-driven narrative genre
- realityWhat actually exists
documentary · soap-opera · miniseries · anthology · procedural · docuseries · sci-fi · fantasy
Rapid consecutive episode viewing
- streamingReal-time digital delivery
- broadcastTransmitted media signal
- cableHeavy-duty woven line
- primetimeTelevision's highest-viewership period
DVR · on-demand · marathon · cord-cutting · simulcast · syndication · rerun · catch-up
Serialized content unit
- seasonYearly division or series
- pilotOne who steers aircraft
- finaleConcluding part of performance
- premiereFirst public performance
cliffhanger · arc · storyline · subplot · teaser · credits · recap · flashback
Interconnected system
- ratingsEvaluative scores assigned
- NielsenTV ratings firm
- viewershipCollective television audience
- renewalMaking current again
cancellation · hiatus · upfronts · timeslot · sweeps · advertising · sponsorship · syndication
Not pre-written
- contestantsCompetition participants
- eliminationAct of removing entirely
- hostOne receiving guests
- auditionTrial performance for selection
confessional · challenges · immunity · reunion · makeover · competition · judges · survival
Animated or humorous illustration
- animeJapanese cartoon art form
- PixarDigital animation studio
- DisneyMajor entertainment conglomerate
- NickelodeonChildren's entertainment channel
DreamWorks · stop-motion · CGI · 2D · 3D · storyboard · Hanna-Barbera · rotoscope
Premature plot revelations
- shippingTransporting goods to destinations
- canonAccepted authoritative works
- recapBrief review of events
- subredditTopical online community space
cosplay · convention · merchandise · binge · rewatch · fandom · forums · memes
TV series creative head
- writerCreator of texts
- directorOne who leads
- producerOne who makes things
- cinematographerPerson capturing screen visuals
casting · script · set-design · costume · makeup · sound-design · editing · location
sitcom
Episodic TV comedy series
reality · documentary · soap-opera · miniseries · anthology · procedural · docuseries · sci-fi · fantasy · western
binge-watching
Rapid consecutive episode viewing
primetime · DVR · on-demand · marathon · cord-cutting · simulcast · syndication · rerun · catch-up · live-tweeting
episode
Serialized content unit
premiere · cliffhanger · arc · storyline · subplot · teaser · credits · recap · flashback · filler
network
Interconnected system
- ratingsEvaluative scores assigned
- NielsenTV ratings firm
- viewershipCollective television audience
renewal · cancellation · hiatus · upfronts · timeslot · sweeps · advertising · sponsorship · syndication · residuals
unscripted
Not pre-written
- contestantsCompetition participants
- eliminationAct of removing entirely
- hostOne receiving guests
audition · confessional · challenges · immunity · reunion · makeover · competition · judges · survival · housemates
cartoon
Animated or humorous illustration
Nickelodeon · DreamWorks · stop-motion · CGI · 2D · 3D · storyboard · Hanna-Barbera · rotoscope · dubbed
spoilers
Premature plot revelations
- shippingTransporting goods to destinations
- canonAccepted authoritative works
- recapBrief review of events
subreddit · cosplay · convention · merchandise · binge · rewatch · fandom · forums · memes · spin-off
showrunner
TV series creative head
cinematographer · casting · script · set-design · costume · makeup · sound-design · editing · location · studio
- TV showssitcom, The Office, cartoon, Modern Family, cable shows
- videosvideos, clip, clips, video clip, films
- in-flight entertainmentmovies, films, music, games, touchscreen
- pop culturememe, celebrities, memes, trending, fandoms
- streaming contentmovies, live streams, documentaries, originals, drama series
- things to watchmovies, films, videos, news, documentaries
TV showsfeature films
Standard-length theatrical movies
theatrical releases · films · movies · radio programs · stage plays
TV showsoutdoor activities
Leisure pursuits in nature
physical exercise · sports participation · social gatherings · reading · creative hobbies
TV showshigh art
Culturally elevated creative works
opera · ballet · classical theater · literary fiction · fine art