WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EPISODIC AND SERIALIZED STORYTELLING?

Episodic storytelling refers to a format where each episode of a TV series is self-contained and tells a complete story that is separate from the other episodes. Each episode has a beginning, middle, and end, and the characters and storylines are typically reset at the beginning of each new episode. Examples of episodic TV shows include The Twilight Zone, Law & Order, and The Simpsons.

Serialized storytelling, on the other hand, refers to a format where the story is told over multiple episodes or installments, with each episode building on what came before and leading into what comes next. The story is typically told in chronological order, and the characters and storylines develop over time. Serialized TV shows often have a single overarching story arc that spans an entire season or even multiple seasons. Examples of serialized TV shows include Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, and Lost.

The main difference between episodic and serialized storytelling is the level of continuity between episodes. In episodic storytelling, each episode stands on its own and can be watched independently of the others, while in serialized storytelling, each episode is part of a larger story that needs to be watched in order to fully understand and appreciate the narrative.

The Star Trek franchise has several shows that fall under both episodic and serialized storytelling.

Episodic storytelling is characterized by self-contained episodes, where each episode usually has a complete story arc that is resolved by the end of the episode. In contrast, serialized storytelling involves a continuous narrative that spans multiple episodes or even seasons.

Here is a breakdown of which Star Trek shows were episodic and which were serialized:

Episodic:

• Star Trek: The Original Series (1966-1969)
• Star Trek: The Animated Series (1973-1974)
• Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994)
• Star Trek: Voyager (1995-2001)
• Star Trek: Enterprise (2001-2005)

Serialized:

• Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993-1999)
• Star Trek: Discovery (2017-present)
• Star Trek: Picard (2020-present)
• Star Trek: Lower Decks (2020-present)

It’s worth noting that even the episodic shows had some ongoing plot-lines and character development throughout their runs, and the serialized shows still had some self-contained episodes. Deep Space Nine’s first two seasons were episodic for the most part but then pivoted to serialized storytelling from seasons three on.