In television and radio programming, a serial has a continuing plot that unfolds in a sequential

episode-by-episode fashion. Serials typically follow main story arcs that span entire television
seasons or even the full run of the series, which distinguishes them from traditional episodic
television that relies on more stand-alone episodes. Worldwide, the soap opera is the most
prominent form of serial dramatic programming.
Serials rely on keeping the full nature of the story hidden and revealing elements episode by
episode to keep viewers tuning in to learn more. Often these shows employ recapping segments
at the beginning and cliffhangers at the end of each episode. Such shows also place a demand
on viewers to tune into every episode to follow the plot. [1] The invention of recording devices
(such as VCRs, Digital video recorder (DVR) and TiVo) has made following these type of shows
easier, which has resulted in increased success and popularity. Prior to the advent of DVRs,
television networks shunned serials in prime time as they made broadcast
programming reruns more difficult and television producers shunned them because they were
tougher to go into broadcast syndication years down the road.
Serials contrast with episodic television, with plots relying on a more independent stand-alone
format. Procedural drama television programs are commonly episodic.[2][3][4]
In British television, the term serial is also synonymous with the American term miniseries a
short-run series with one title and plot. The finale of the serial sometimes concludes the program
as a whole, for sequel serials are sometimes made.