Week 9

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.

The defining characteristics of cult TV that Hills (2004) refers to are made up of three different types. The first considers it to be a text dependent analysis which and is often associated with fiction, fantasy and horror (Hills, 2004).

The second defines the characteristics through inter-text analyses and is influential on which meanings are portrayed on television. It also circulates the main message intended in the primary text and is likely to persuade viewers.

The third, however, is primarily reliant on practices fans are engaged in; which can raise questions of what these fan driven activities are.

There are similarities between cult TV and the likes of fantasy in that narrative closure is never really satisfied for viewers. They are often left wondering and asking the same question. For example like the sisters on Charmed, in Buffy is it even possible for her to have a successful love interest? With there being just the one slayer in existence at any one time, why is there more than one as the seasons progress? Also on Xena Warrior Princess, are Gabrielle and Xena more than just friends? Another similar feature with these different forms of popular genre is that they provide viewers with an in-depth fantastic universe with self-governed rules.

Fans of cult TV, fantasy and science fiction may meet online, at conventions or be immersed in comic culture etc, as referred to in ‘Definition III’ (Hills, 2004); they keep cult TV among other pop genres alive, strong and well.

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.