Books in the The Cultural History of Television series

This book focuses on Breaking Bad's fascinating characters and complex story lines, while also looking at how the program challenges viewers and analyzes what did and did not work. The author explores how the show grapples with themes of morality, legality, and anti-drug rhetoric-features that contributed to the show's cultural significance.

A fascinating look into one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time, Cheers: A Cultural History examines the early struggles of the show to find an audience to its multiple Emmy wins. This book also takes a look at the shows memorable cast of characters, from Sam and Diane to Carla, Woody, Norm, Cliff, and Frasier.

This book looks at the cult television classic, Gilmore Girls, created by Amy Sherman-Palladino (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel). The authors focus on the representation of women, mother-daughter dynamics, and how literature, movies, and music were as essential as dialogue and plot to this endearing series.

This volume discusses the popularity of Friends (1994-2004), one of the most successful shows in television history. The author examines the popularity of the show, the appeal of its characters, its relevance to its original audiences, and its continued relevance today.

This book traces the history of Seinfeld's path onto NBC's schedule and rise up the Nielsen ratings, offering a fresh look at the episodes themselves. It pays close attention to the writers and writing of the show, carefully analyzing individual episodes to articulate exactly what was so groundbreaking and assessing its broader cultural impact.

Mad Men: The Cultural History brings to life the cultural importance of the television show as it engages with ideas central to the American experience, from the evolution of gender roles to family dynamics and workplace relationships. This book demonstrates how viewers use quality television to define and redefine themselves and their lives today via their engagement with the past.

This book revisits and celebrates the cultural legacy of the cult television series Northern Exposure. With a focus on its production history, fan culture, and individual episodes, it reveals the show's profound influence and argues its status as the prototype contemporary television series.