Seriality in the Streaming Era

Seriality in the Streaming Era explores the dynamic transformation of serialized storytelling in the digital era, where platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Apple Podcasts have redefined how narratives are created, consumed, and experienced.

This book examines the profound impact of streaming technologies on both fictional and nonfictional series, offering an in-depth analysis of how these formats have evolved. Drawing from case studies across a wide range of media―from television to podcasts, and social media platforms like Facebook and Snapchat―this book highlights how serialized storytelling has adapted to diverse formats and consumption habits. The authors explore key trends such as platform-specific narrative structures, audience engagement, and the blending of genres in both entertainment and journalism. With a focus on both the aesthetic and functional shifts in seriality, the book offers theoretical insights into the future of storytelling in a media landscape increasingly shaped by data-driven strategies and audience participation. Furthermore, the book tackles how seriality navigates the delicate balance between creativity and commercial demands. As a significant contribution, the book features interviews with key industry professionals in the field of serial media production.

Seriality in the Streaming Era is an essential resource for scholars, students, and industry professionals, as well as anyone curious about the evolving role of serialized narratives in shaping modern media culture.

Lene Heiselberg is Associate Professor in Centre for Journalism at the University of Southern Denmark. With over a decade of experience in media and audience research, she has worked both in academia and in the media industry, including the Danish Broadcasting Corporation. Her research focuses on audience reception of media and journalism, and she collaborates closely with industry partners.

Bo Kampmann Walther is Associate Professor in the Department of Design, Media, and Educational Science at the University of Southern Denmark. He has written extensively on new media, computer games, transmedia, and sports and media. He is also a football columnist and a media and branding consultant.

Jakob Isak Nielsen is Associate Professor in the Department of Media and Journalism Studies at Aarhus University. Main research areas include media aesthetics and media industry studies. Co-editor of books on US drama series, and serial phenomena in the streaming era. Main research projects: What Makes Danish TV Drama Series Travel? (Independent Research Fund Denmark); CresCine – Increasing the International Competitiveness of the European Film Industry in Small European Markets (Horizon-RIA).

Rasmus Rønlev is Associate Professor in the Centre for Journalism at the University of Southern Denmark. His research focuses on subjectivity and self-presentation in journalism, with a particular focus on journalists’ various roles as narrators and characters in narrative journalism. Both in his research and teaching he works in close collaboration with journalists and, thus, integrates journalistic scholarship and practice.