Introduction to TV Drama

1) How does this His Dark Materials trailer meet the conventions of a TV drama series?

The trailer shows the narrative arc as well as an ensemble cast which are the key conventions of  TV drama series. The trailer also included specific technical codes also referring to the previous season.

2) What genre (or genres) are suggested by this His Dark Materials trailer?

His Dark Materials is a fantasy, mystery and adventure fiction TV drama series.

3) What kind of characters and narratives are introduced in this trailer?

4) What settings appear in the trailer?

5) Who do you think the target audience for His Dark Materials is? Give reasons for your answer.

Grade 8/9 Extension tasks:

Read this Guardian TV review from the first episode of His Dark Materials season two. What did the reviewer think of the episode? Also look at the comments from readers below the article - do they agree? 

Have a look at this Guardian feature on the top ten Doctor Who stories. How do these fit the conventions of TV drama? Why do you think these narratives were picked in the top ten?