The key difference between TV Series and web series is that TV series are broadcasted on TV, whereas web series are broadcasted on websites.
Both TV series and web series are popular and have many episodes. First, they introduce a conflict and set the stage for the plot, and then in the middle, they introduce tension, and finally, in the end, they resolve the conflict.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is a TV Series
3. What is a Web Series
4. TV Series vs Web Series in Tabular Form
5. Summary – TV Series vs Web Series
What is a TV Series?
A TV series is a program created for television broadcast with a common series title. TV series are controlled by network and broadcasting guidelines. Therefore, the TV network controls when and where series are telecasted.
All the episodes in the TV Series are connected. Most series have many episodes, which are often categorized into seasons. Some TV series may run on for years. Grey’s Anatomy, Game of Thrones, The Big Bang Theory, Friends, Riverdale, Prison Break, Gossip Girl, and Arrow are some popular TV series. Normally, TV series are telecasted once a week during a fixed time slot. Generally, it is telecasted for 30-60 minutes because they have to fit into the network’s broadcasting time slot.
A TV series should have memorable characters. They are the main reason for a good TV series and the reason people watch it every week. The characters direct the plot in the TV series, and since there are a lot of episodes, the characters have enough space for their progress and development. Usually, there are 2-5 main characters with weaknesses, strengths, and struggles that are similar to the lives of the audience.
There are three main steps in making a TV series: idea, means to shoot, and the platform to monetize. First of all, the scriptwriter should be aware of the concept – whether it is a drama, comedy, reality, or non-fiction. Then he should watch similar stories and get new ideas. Next comes who the target audience is. The second part is how to make this concept a reality. This can be the most difficult part. The last is where to monetize. This should be selected after thorough research.
When watching TV series, some people can’t enjoy them properly since there are advertisements in-between the episodes. These commercial breaks cannot be avoided because the required money comes from the sponsors. However, since the introduction of online video streaming platforms and social media like YouTube, many people prefer to watch TV series online, not via television.
What is a Web Series?
A web series is a collection of scripted or non-scripted online videos in episodic form. These are also known as Web Shows. Web Series are released on the internet and became popular in the early 2000s. There are no time restrictions on web series, so they can be released simultaneously or one episode per week. Since these series are on websites, various devices like phones, tablets, desktops, and laptops can be used to watch them. They tend to be popular fast or go viral because the whole world can watch them.
When creating a web series, it is enough to have a concept, a camera, people to recite the scripted or unscripted lines, and a video-sharing platform. Platforms like YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu, Vimeo, and Vevo stream many web series. Some such websites need subscription charges, but some are free as long as you watch the advertisements.
Web series are very popular at present because of the convenience of watching them. They are also available in various languages. Sometimes, popular web series may transform into TV series.
What is the Difference Between TV Series and Web Series?
The key difference between TV Series and web series is that TV Series are broadcasted on TV while web series are broadcasted on websites. TV series are usually controlled by TV networks and broadcasting guidelines, while web series have more freedom.
The below infographic presents the differences between TV Series and web series in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
Summary – TV Series vs Web Series
A TV series is a group of programs created for television broadcast with a common series title. These have a fixed time and a date to be telecasted on TV since they are under the control of network and broadcasting guidelines. A web series, on the other hand, is a collection of scripted or non-scripted online videos in episodic form, and they do not have a fixed schedule because they are released and broadcasted on platforms like YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max, Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu, Vimeo, and Vevo. So, this is the summary of the difference between TV Series and web series.
Reference:
1. “Television Show.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
2. “Web Series.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Watching Netflix” By Stock Catalog (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
2. “Free watching TV” (CC0) via Raw Pixel