Representations of adolescence in contemporary American Teen TV and its online fandom

Table of Contents

• 1. Introduction
• 2. Contemporary Concepts and Pop-cultural Representations of American Adolescence
  • 2.1. Definitions and Developments
  • 2.2. The Child/Adolescent as 'Other'
  • 2.3. TV Conceptions of Adolescence
• 3. Contemporary American Teen TV
  • 3.1. Definition and Short History
  • 3.2. 'Not-Quite-Adult' TV
  • 3.3. The WB/The CW, Teen TV and the 'Youthful Adult Audience'
  • 3.4. "Television Overflow"
• 4. Contemporary Fandom – Online TV Fandom
  • 4.1. Definitions
  • 4.2. Television Fandom - Teen TV Fandom
  • 4.3. The Fan as 'Other'
  • 4.4. Fan-cultural Productions
  • 4.5. Case Studies Television Without Pity and Fan Forum:
    • 4.5.1. Television Without Pity (TWOP) - www.televisionwithoutpity.com
    • 4.5.2. Fan Forum - www.fanforum.com
• 5. Connecting the Concepts of Teendom and Fandom
• 6. Case Studies - Teen-Series
  • 6.1. Dawson's Creek
    • 6.1.1. The Series
    • 6.1.2. The Fandom
  • 6.2. Veronica Mars
    • 6.2.1. The Series
    • 6.2.2. Fandom

Objectives and Key Themes

This thesis explores the convergence of teen television and online fandom, examining how these intersect with the concepts of adolescence and fandom. The study focuses specifically on American teen series and their online fan communities. The primary goal is to understand how these series are contextualized within their broadcasting space and how online fandom alters the consumption and interpretation of the television texts. Furthermore, it examines how differing portrayals of adolescence in these series influence fan engagement and vice versa.

• The portrayal of adolescence in contemporary American teen television.
• The role and nature of online fan communities surrounding teen television.
• The convergence of adolescence and fandom in the context of online media consumption.
• The impact of social biases against both adolescence and fandom on media consumption.
• Analysis of specific case studies (Dawson's Creek and Veronica Mars) and their respective fandoms.

Chapter Summaries

1. Introduction: This chapter establishes the context of the thesis by highlighting the often overlooked significance of teen television and its online fandoms. It challenges the negative stereotypes associated with both, arguing that they warrant serious academic attention. The introduction also lays the groundwork by discussing the changing landscape of fandom in the digital age, emphasizing the shift from a marginal cultural phenomenon to a more mainstream and influential force. It explores the concepts of "cultural participants" and "television overflow," setting the stage for the thesis's core arguments.

2. Contemporary Concepts and Pop-cultural Representations of American Adolescence: This chapter delves into the evolving understanding of adolescence in American pop culture and its representations in television. It examines the historical development of these concepts, tracing how the "teenager" has been constructed and redefined over time. The chapter analyzes the frequent portrayal of adolescents as "other," examining both the negative (deviant, immature) and positive (passionate, idealistic) stereotypes associated with this age group. It lays the theoretical groundwork for understanding the complex image of the American teenager, positioning it within the broader sociocultural landscape.

3. Contemporary American Teen TV: This chapter provides a detailed overview of the genre of contemporary American teen television. It traces the history of teen-oriented programming and its evolution, paying particular attention to the rise of networks like The WB and The CW and their target audiences. The chapter further examines the concept of "not-quite-adult" television, exploring how these programs bridge the gap between children's and adult programming. The phenomenon of "television overflow" and its relation to online fandom are also explored.

4. Contemporary Fandom – Online TV Fandom: This chapter focuses on the definition and evolution of television fandom, specifically online fan communities. It discusses the changing role of the fan, moving from a marginalized "other" to a more active and influential participant in media culture. The chapter examines various aspects of fan production and activity within the digital realm, using the examples of Television Without Pity and Fan Forum to illustrate how fans reinterpret and recontextualize television texts.

5. Connecting the Concepts of Teendom and Fandom: This chapter synthesizes the preceding discussions on adolescence, teen television, and fandom, examining the intersections and interdependencies between these three concepts. It analyzes how the social biases surrounding adolescence and fandom influence the experiences and perspectives of those involved in online fan communities. It lays out the core argument for understanding how the unique convergence of these elements shapes both the production and consumption of media content.

6. Case Studies - Teen-Series: This chapter presents in-depth case studies of two popular teen series: Dawson's Creek and Veronica Mars. For each show, it examines both the television series itself and its related online fan community, analyzing how the series' portrayal of adolescence shapes the type of fan engagement that develops around it. The chapter aims to demonstrate how the representation of adolescence in the series influences the themes and discussions prevalent within its fan community and vice versa, providing rich examples of how the show’s narrative relates to the fan’s interpretative actions.

Keywords

American teen television, online fandom, adolescence, fan communities, media consumption, cultural convergence, television overflow, Dawson's Creek, Veronica Mars, Television Without Pity, Fan Forum, gender and fandom.

Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview

What is the main topic of this thesis?

This thesis explores the intersection of American teen television, online fandom, and the concepts of adolescence and fandom itself. It investigates how these elements converge and influence each other, particularly focusing on how online fan communities interpret and reshape the meaning of teen television shows.

What are the key themes explored in the thesis?

The key themes include the portrayal of adolescence in contemporary American teen television; the role and nature of online fan communities; the convergence of adolescence and fandom in online media consumption; the impact of social biases against both adolescents and fans on media consumption; and detailed analyses of specific teen series (Dawson's Creek and Veronica Mars) and their respective fandoms.

What television shows are used as case studies?

The thesis uses Dawson's Creek and Veronica Mars as in-depth case studies. It examines both the series themselves and their online fan communities to analyze how the shows' portrayals of adolescence shape fan engagement and vice-versa.

What online fan communities are discussed?

The thesis discusses Television Without Pity (TWOP) and Fan Forum as examples of online spaces where fans engage with and reinterpret teen television shows. These sites serve as illustrations of fan production and activity within the digital realm.

How does the thesis define "television overflow"?

The thesis introduces the concept of "television overflow" to describe how the viewing experience extends beyond the initial broadcast, spilling over into online discussions, fan-created content, and the broader online fandom community. This overflow significantly impacts how television texts are interpreted and consumed.

What is the significance of the "fan as 'other'" concept?

The thesis explores the societal perception of both adolescents and fans as "other," marginalized groups often subject to negative stereotypes. It examines how these pre-conceived notions influence both the creation of teen television shows and the ways in which fans engage with them.

What is the overall objective of the thesis?

The primary objective is to understand how American teen series are contextualized within their broadcasting space and how online fandom alters their consumption and interpretation. It aims to show how different portrayals of adolescence influence fan engagement and vice versa, highlighting the dynamic interplay between these elements.

What are the chapter summaries?

The thesis is structured with chapters covering an introduction, contemporary concepts and pop-cultural representations of American adolescence, contemporary American teen TV, contemporary fandom and online TV fandom, connecting the concepts of teendom and fandom, and concluding with case studies of Dawson's Creek and Veronica Mars. Each chapter builds upon the previous one to develop a comprehensive understanding of the central argument.

What are the key words associated with this thesis?

Key words include: American teen television, online fandom, adolescence, fan communities, media consumption, cultural convergence, television overflow, Dawson's Creek, Veronica Mars, Television Without Pity, Fan Forum, and gender and fandom.

What is the target audience for this thesis?

The thesis is intended for an academic audience interested in media studies, cultural studies, fandom studies, and the sociology of adolescence. The content is structured for a professional academic analysis of the themes.