What role does Hills (2004) suggest the fans play in the construction of cult TV?
Fans assist in the construction of cult TV through forming an “intertextual network” (Hills, 2004, p. 518) based around a favoured show and which includes a range of other texts as well, with these 'networks' being called ‘cult TV’ (Hills), so differentiating these shows as having a "fan following" (Geairns, 1983, as cited in Hills, p. 519). As Hills states, “fans are keen to legitimate, defend and analyse their own consumption of cult TV” (p. 517). However, other fan activities also aid in constructing cult TV through, for example, “Appreciation Societies” (Hills, p. 519) and fans purchasing items relating to their cult TV show (Hills, 2004), so reinforcing its ‘cult’ status. The fan gatherings “give fandom a spectacular visibility, meaning that it can be stereotyped and represented in media coverage” (Hills, p. 519) and so labelled as ‘cult TV’.
How is new media central to this?
As Hills (2004) states, “fan activities are carried out both online and in real life” (p. 519). However, new media allows fans to more easily obtain information about their cult show and to communicate among themselves about their shows (Hills). Also, the internet assists in creating interest towards shows from a wider and more diverse fan base (Hills). The internet also assists a show becoming cult TV by allowing and making acceptable the notion of being a part of a cult fan group (Hills). Or, as Hills states, the participation as a fan as being considered “less distinctively ‘anti-mainstream’ and less subcultural” (p. 519).
Having watched Buffy the Vampire Slayer, I can understand why it would become a cult TV program, but I find it difficult to believe people would be interested in watching a program where they couldn’t see the characters, as I understand was the case in one program?
I looked on the web at a few of the “Buffy” sites, and was impressed at how passionate people are about their favourite TV show. But I can’t understand why people would want to watch the same program over and over and over . . . It would become a bit like listening to a favourite song. After awhile it loses its original impact. But I suppose if one is a fan, then looking repeatedly at the program allows the fan to assimilate all aspects of the program so that they can better discuss the show right down to the minute details.
References
Hills, M. (2004). Defining Cult TV; Texts, Inter-texts and Fan Audiences, The Television Studies Reader, R.C. Allen & A. Hill. London and New York: Routledge.
"but I find it difficult to believe people would be interested in watching a program where they couldn’t see the characters" I think the point with Buffy is that it problematises/plays with the characteristics and expectations of the television series genre/esp teen drama - and the staging of the fictional narrative. This is not unlike the postmodern playfulness that can be attributed to many contemproary novels that explore the concept of the novel itself.
ReplyDeleteThe fascination with a quality extended series such as Buffy or the Sopranos for example is the often profound development of the characters and their different relationships over time- something that can't happen to the same degree in a novel or a film. Similarly it provides the opportunity to develop complex narrative lines. Good that you've looked at the Buffy sites. Have you read the article on what makes Buffy quality television?
I can see where you are coming from, when you mention how the watching of your favourite program over and over would become tiresome. I must admit I have thought the same many times but lately I have found myself watching a Hong Kong made police/ gangster movie called Internal Affairs (part 1, 2, & 3) over and over. I find the plot very interesting and pick up on interesting new points each time I watch it. I suppose with cult status programs the fans are so into the characters and also feel that they have to know every aspect about the show so as to be able to discuss with their fellow fans, the characters and plot at a critical level and not come across as unknowledgeable. I can imagine a fan who dresses like, dreams about and mimics the characters on their favourite show and then of course the more a fan knows about the show perhaps the more they feel part of the inner group of fans.
ReplyDeleteI found the article on quality TV interesting, however, I did not answer the question as it related to other TV series that we have viewed lately. I do not have TV and do not watch TV, so was not able to apply this. Not even to "Buffy" as I don't think I can do this with any seriousness through only watching the screening of two programs.
ReplyDeleteYes, Shayne, I agree. You picked up on my comments that the repeated viewing has fan benefits - the fans being able to discuss in detail their favourite program. Have you joined the 'cult' surrounding the program that you have been repeatedly watching?
lol :) My flatmate is a big fan and forever playing it over and over but i dont think i will be joining the cult surrounding the show. For me it is the humour in the show that is the biggest attraction. I think it will be interesting to look back in 10 years time and see which programs have reached cult status. I noticed Darryl's comment on the sopranos, i have the series on dvd so i must watch it over the xmas break to see how the characters develope.
ReplyDeleteIf you can access it check out Sam's post on this point- Group 4.
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