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This book examines the complex ways in which television articulates ideas about DNA in the early 21st century. Considering television's distinct aesthetic and narrative forms, as well as its specific cultural roles, it identifies TV as a key site for the genetic imaginary. The book addresses the key themes of complexity and kinship, which function as nodes around which older essentialist notions about the human genome clash with newly emergent post-genomic sensibilities. Analysing a wide range of US and UK programmes, from science documentaries, science fiction serials and crime procedurals, to family history programmes, sitcoms and reality shows, Television and the Genetic Imaginary illustrates the extent to which molecular frameworks of understanding now permeate popular culture.
List of contents
1. Introduction: A cultural forum on genetics.- Part I: Complexity.- 2. Microscopic CGI: Imaging molecular worlds.- 3. Complex seriality: Genetic science as narrative device.- Part II: Kinship.- 4. Genealogical intimacy: Materialising genetic kinship.- 5. TV families: Normalising assisted reproduction.- Part III.- 6. Epilogue: Television clones.
About the author
Sofia Bull is a lecturer in film and television studies at the University of Southampton, UK.
Summary
Analysing a wide range of US and UK programmes, from science documentaries, science fiction serials and crime procedurals, to family history programmes, sitcoms and reality shows, Television and the Genetic Imaginary illustrates the extent to which molecular frameworks of understanding now permeate popular culture.
Additional text
“Television and the Genetic Imaginary will be useful for science humanities scholars and students interested in understanding the importance and breadth of television’s influence over the public understanding of genetics and science more broadly and it makes a valuable contribution to the growing scholarship at the intersection of science and entertainment media.” (Amy C Chambers, Critical Studies in Television, Vol. 18 (1), 2023)
“Reading the book Television and the Genetic Imaginary was a great pleasure because it is well-written, concise and informative. … a must-read for anyone interested in the public understanding of genetics, as it provides a nice overview of the genetic imaginary in television.” (New Genetics and Society, April 21, 2020)
Report
"Television and the Genetic Imaginary will be useful for science humanities scholars and students interested in understanding the importance and breadth of television's influence over the public understanding of genetics and science more broadly and it makes a valuable contribution to the growing scholarship at the intersection of science and entertainment media." (Amy C Chambers, Critical Studies in Television, Vol. 18 (1), 2023)
"Reading the book Television and the Genetic Imaginary was a great pleasure because it is well-written, concise and informative. ... a must-read for anyone interested in the public understanding of genetics, as it provides a nice overview of the genetic imaginary in television." (New Genetics and Society, April 21, 2020)
