[Commlist] Call for Proposals: TV Matters

      Call for Proposals: TV Matters

Editor: Sabrina Mittermeier

View the full call here>>

https://www.intellectbooks.com/tv-matters 
<https://www.intellectbooks.com/tv-matters>

TV Matters is a new series of short monographs (40,000 to 50,000 words) 
on television series, analysing their production history, cultural 
context, main themes, as well as fandom and audience reception. The 
focus is on shows that both have critical acclaim (as reflected by 
awards, media reviews), but more importantly, are genuinely 'popular'. 
That means they have had a robust viewership and ideally an active 
fandom (watercooler discussions on- and offline, as well as fan 
production such as fic, art, vids etc.) and/or an unusual reception 
history (cases of bans, censorship or similar).

As the intended audience for this book series extends beyond academia, 
we expect an engaging/accessible writing style. This however does not 
mean less academic 'rigour' – authors should thoroughly research 
production history (incl. where possible through interviews with 
creators or archival research), include a solid textual analysis of main 
themes and should show familiarity with concepts and theories of fan and 
audience studies.

The aim of this book series is to engage with TV shows that were and are 
truly popular rather than just part of a canon of 'quality TV' or 'cult 
TV'. The scope includes scripted/fictional programming, both live action 
as well as animation, but also reality TV, casting shows and documentary 
formats, if they fill the criteria. If it mattered to people, it qualifies!

This crucially also means shows outside of a Eurocentric lens of media 
production – K-Drama, Telenovelas, any popular TV in its respective 
cultural contexts, but also productions that crossed border lines and 
were adapted transnationally. In case of particularly long-running shows 
such as soaps or procedurals, or non-scripted content, ongoing series 
are also open to consideration.

To illustrate examples, series that tentative authors have already been 
approached about include Bridgerton(2020–), Game of Thrones(2011–2019), 
Ted Lasso(2020–2023), Ducktales(1987–1990), Star Trek: 
Voyager(1995–2001) and the Eurovision Song Contest.

At this point, we are open to any proposals on series meeting the 
criteria, but are especially looking for someone interested in writing 
on Supernatural(2005–2020), Friends(1994–2004), Buffy the Vampire 
Slayer(1997–2003), Grey’s Anatomy(2005–), Doctor Who(1963–), the CSI, 
NCIS, Law & Orderfranchises or long-running reality TV and transnational 
competition formats such as Survivor, Big Brotheror Strictly Come 
Dancing. If this sounds like you please approach us!

As a first step, just send a short (!) pitch (500 words max), including 
what series you’d want to write on and why you think it matters, to the 
series editor Sabrina Mittermeier ((Sabrina.Mittermeier /at/ uni-kassel.de) 
<mailto:(Sabrina.Mittermeier /at/ uni-kassel.de)>). If deemed a good fit, we 
move on to a more formal proposal. We expect the series to launch in 2026.


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