TV Genres

Sports – Programmes featuring sports or sporting events.

Sitcom – An amusing TV series about fictional characters. Also known as a situational comedy.

Documentary – A TV programme that documents real life.

Cartoon – A programme that features animated characters.

Travel or Holiday – A show that features popular holiday destinations or travel reviews.

Kids/Children’s – TV programmes produced for children.

Drama – A fictional TV story, featuring actors.

Makeover – A show that helps people change their image or lifestyle.

News – A show that reports world/local events as they unfold.

Cookery – A programme hosted by famous chefs, who teach people how to cook.

Reality TV – A fly on the wall show, or talent show, featuring real people.

Talk Show or Chat Show – Programmes hosted by TV personality featuring guests who talk
about their lives.

Shopping – Phone in TV shows (often shopping channels) where people can either buy the
featured items or bid for them.
Game Show – A TV programme featuring competitive games or quizzes.

Music – A TV show featuring live or recorded music.

Gardening Show – A programme about gardening, often fronted by a well-known television
personality.

Lifestyle – A television show featuring topics such as fashion, diet, exercise, health and leisure
pursuits.
DIY – TV programmes showing people how to do repairs to their houses. Also known as “Do It
Yourself” programmes.

Charity – A telethon show which aims to raise funds for charity by persuading members of the
public to phone in and donate money.
Animal or Wildlife – A programme about wild animals or pets, often hosted by well-known TV
personality.