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PDFOpen Access (License Unspecified), Open Access
Thesis
As Seen on TV: The Intersection of WandaVision and the Impact of Family Depictions in Sitcoms
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
13 May 2022
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00001176
Abstract
Family life has been a staple of the sitcom genre since its inception. Still, the ubiquity of the ideal suburban family that first appeared in the mid-1950s has stayed a part of the genre and continues to impact how viewers perceive the average American family. The increased availability of old sitcoms on streaming services has created a need to better understand the impact of these depictions. The Disney+ limited series WandaVision (2021) provides a perfect basis to understand this role. Through an in-depth analysis of this series, this study examines the evolution of the sitcom family, from the picture-perfect 1950s to the present day, the roles each depiction served for their contemporary audiences, and the effects they have on the viewers of today. Using the concepts of Media Effects and Social Learning Theory to analyze the character of Wanda Maximoff, this study addresses what can happen when sitcoms' unrealistic idea of normalcy impacts the lives of viewers. This analysis, along with the results of the quantitative survey conducted and expert interviews, will provide industry professionals with an understanding of the importance of recognizing their media's impact on viewers.
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Details
- Title
- As Seen on TV
- Creators
- Coby Harris
- Contributors
- Michelle McHugh (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- 80 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Television (and Media) Management; Cinema and Television; Drexel University; Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design
- Other Identifier
- 991018097208404721