The Evolution of Television Portrayals: Critical Essays on 21st Century TV Shows

The 21st century has brought about remarkable advancements in technology, influencing various aspects of our lives, including television. Television shows have evolved to reflect the changing dynamics of our society, presenting an array of characters and storylines that captivate both our hearts and minds. In this critical analysis, we delve deep into the 21st century television portrayals to uncover the underlying themes, motivations, and impact they have on our culture.

1. Breaking Barriers: Shifting Gender Roles

Gone are the days when female characters were confined to stereotypes like damsels in distress. The 21st century has seen a surge of strong, independent women taking center stage in television shows. From tough-minded lawyers in legal dramas to fearless warriors in epic fantasies, these portrayals challenge traditional gender norms, promoting equality and empowerment. This essay explores the various examples of these groundbreaking characters and their effects on societal perceptions.

The New Witches: Critical Essays on 21st Century Television Portrayals

by Aaron K.H. Ho (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2650 KB
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Print length	:	216 pages

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2. The Complexities of Race and Identity

Race and identity have always been sensitive topics, but the television landscape of the 21st century has dared to address these controversial issues head-on. With shows like "Black Mirror" and "Pose," critical essays examine how writers, directors, and actors use storytelling techniques to shed light on racial struggles, discrimination, and the complexities of individual identity. These television portrayals aim to foster inclusivity and spark conversations that challenge systemic biases.

3. Mental Health Representation: Breaking the Stigma

Slowly but surely, television has started to break down the stigma surrounding mental health. Critical essays in this section delve into shows such as "BoJack Horseman," "This Is Us," and "Fleabag," exploring how they tackle mental health issues with sensitivity, authenticity, and empathy. By portraying characters struggling with depression, addiction, anxiety, and other conditions, these shows aim to destigmatize mental health and facilitate open discussions about the importance of seeking help.

4. LGBTQ+ Stories: Celebrating Diversity

The 21st century has witnessed a rise in television shows telling the stories of the LGBTQ+ community. Through critical analysis, this essay section dissects the representation of LGBTQ+ characters and relationships in shows like "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," "Sense8," and "Orange is the New Black." By providing nuanced and authentic portrayals, these shows challenge stereotypes, promote acceptance, and shed light on the diverse experiences of the LGBTQ+ community.

5. The Influence of Technological Advancements

Technology plays a pivotal role in shaping the narratives of 21st-century television shows. This section focuses on critically analyzing the portrayal of technological advancements in shows like "Black Mirror" and "Mr. Robot." These essays delve into the ethical implications, societal consequences, and cautionary tales offered by these shows, presenting thought-provoking arguments about the impact of technology on human life.

21st-century television has proven to be a powerful platform for examining and critiquing various aspects of our society. From breaking gender barriers to addressing racial struggles, mental health representation, celebrating diversity, and exploring the influence of technology, television shows of today have the ability to shape culture, challenge norms, and spark important conversations. By critically analyzing these portrayals, we gain a deeper understanding of our own society and the issues that impact us.

The New Witches: Critical Essays on 21st Century Television Portrayals

by Aaron K.H. Ho (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2650 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	216 pages

FREE

After Charmed ended in 2006, witches were relegated to sidekicks of televisual vampires or children's programs. But during the mid-2010s they began to resurface as leading characters in shows like the immensely popular The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, the Charmed reboot, Salem, American Horror Story: Coven, and the British program, A Discovery of Witches. No longer sweet, feminine, domestic, and white, these witches are powerful, diverse, and transgressive, representing an intersectional third-wave feminist vision of the witch. Featuring original essays from noted scholars, this is the first critical collection to examine witches on television from the late 2010s. Situated in the aftermath of the #MeToo movement, essays examine the reemergence and shifting identities of TV witches through the perspectives of intersectional gender studies, hauntology, politics, morality, monstrosity, violence, queerness, disabilities, rape, ecofeminism, linguistics, family, and digital humanities.