Would you prefer serial? Or episodic?

Mr. Tain spoke about two specific aspects which categorize television sitcoms. These aspects include serial and episodic episodes. Serial television shows have a long term plot and are normally not as lesson centered. It picks up exactly where the show left off in the previous episode and some have a recap of the previous show to catch viewers up to speed. The show is usually longer and more complicated, usually containing more drama. Episodic shows are a bit simpler and the show is more predictable. Viewers can easily watch one episode without seeing the previous one and understand the plot. There is usually less character arc and a more familiar plot development. Each episode tends to raise a central question and it is answered at the end. An example of this would be I Love Lucy. Within the sitcom genre, episodic shows are usually associated with dramas and more serious shows such as Lost or Desperate Housewives. Episodic shows are associated with comedies and classic sitcoms like All in the Family. 

Gilmore Girls is a serial television show which fits the genre of drama. The show has two protagonists: a young mother and her teenage daughter. They are each other's best friend, so the show highlights their life together and the troubles that come along. The mother has a difficult relationship with her own mother and that would not be understood unless the viewer watched all the episodes. The show also highlights Rory's (the daughter's) early teenage years all the way up to when she graduates college. It is easy for viewers to become immersed in this witty show because it is relatable on many levels. Although it does contain some comedy, it deals with serial issues and contains more realism. The narrative progressively becomes more complicated and is much easier to understand when the viewer watches from the very first episode. The characters are all extremely unique and amusing in different ways. They each have a special relationship with each other and each episode follows the story line from the previous. Thus, Gilmore Girls can be considered a serial drama.