# Prestige Drama — Series Sub-Type

> The "Golden Age of TV" model. High production value. Auteur-driven. Adult themes. Slow-burn character.

## Defining elements

- Cinematic production
- Character-driven
- Adult themes
- Multi-season arcs
- Showrunner as auteur
- Critical acclaim focus
- Awards-friendly

## Examples

- The Sopranos
- Breaking Bad
- Mad Men
- The Wire
- Better Call Saul
- Succession
- The White Lotus
- Mare of Easttown

## Structural conventions

### Multi-season arc
- Series-long character arc
- Seasonal mini-arcs within
- Episode arcs within

### Adult content
- Profanity, sexuality, violence allowed
- Real moral complexity
- No easy heroes/villains

### Slow burn
- Patience rewarded
- Character development across years
- Stakes accumulate

### Tone consistency
- Distinctive voice maintained
- Showrunner vision
- Audience knows what they get

## Voice / style

- Often dark, ambiguous
- Subtext heavy
- Adult dialogue (real speech patterns)
- Long takes acceptable
- Cinematic visuals

## Episodes

- 50-65 min typical
- 8-13 per season
- 4-6 seasons typical (some go longer)

## Pilot for prestige drama

- Establishes world meticulously
- Introduces complex protagonist (often anti-hero)
- Hook for season + series arc
- Tone immediate

## When to write

- Adult audience aim
- Streaming or premium cable
- Award consideration
- Long-form ambition
- Auteur sensibility
- Star vehicle for serious actor
