Cult Telefantasy Series : A Critical Analysis of The Prisoner, Twin Peaks, The X-Files, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Lost, Heroes, Doctor Who and Star Trek

"A select group of television series with strong elements of fantasy has achieved cult status. This work analyzes what makes these programs unique, and what they have in common. Included are assessments of strategies used to promote the series' appeal; an explanation of "transmedia" storytelling; evaluations of how viewers shaped cult texts; and descriptions of changes within broadcasting"--Provided by publisher. From The Prisoner in the 1960s to the more recent Heroes and Lost , a group of television series with strong elements of fantasy have achieved cult status. Focusing on eight such series, this work analyzes their respective innovations and influences. Assessing the strategies used to promote "cult" appeal, it also appraises increased opportunities for interaction between series creators and fans and evaluates how television fantasy has utilized transmedia storytelling. Notable changes within broadcasting are discussed to explain how challenging long-form dramas have emerged, and why telefantasy has transcended niche status to enjoy significant prominence and popularity.