Cult Telefantasy Series

Critical Explorations in Science Fiction and Fantasy #30

by Sue Short, Donald E. Palumbo (Editor), C.W. Sullivan III (Editor)

From The Prisoner in the 1960s to the more recent Heroes and Lost, a group of television series with strong elements of fantasy have achieved cult status. Focusing on eight such series, this work analyzes their respective innovations and influences. Assessing the strategies used to promote "cult" appeal, it also appraises increased opportunities for interaction between series creators and fans and evaluates how television fantasy has utilized transmedia storytelling. Notable changes within broadcasting are discussed to explain how challenging long-form dramas have emerged, and why telefantasy has transcended niche status to enjoy significant prominence and popularity.

Genres: Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published May 31, 2011

Reviews

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of description... not much analysis.

[Elisabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book much more than I actually did. It's great fun to explore the development of cult TV, from The Prisoner and Twin Peaks through The X-Files and Buffy all the way to Lost and Heroes, for good or ill. The parallels between Doctor Who and Star Trek also make for interesting reading. However, the author is far too long-winded, repeating herself and rehashing ideas endlessly; further, strong opinions and numerous small errors of fact cast doubt on her credentials as either scholar or fan.

Fortunately the book includes a substantial bibliography.