Procedural dramas are television series which rely on an episodic format that does not require the viewer to have seen previous episodes. Episodes typically have a self-contained, also referred to as stand-alone, plot that is introduced and resolved within the same episode (or several episodes). This format is often referred to as "case-of-the-week".^[1]

Procedurals are typically contrasted with serial dramas.^[1]

Procedurals are, by their stand-alone episodic nature, more accessible to new viewers than serials. Self-contained episodes also make it easier for viewers to return to a show if they have missed some episodes.^[2] In general, procedural dramas can usually be re-run with little concern for episode order.

A popular variant is the police procedural.

[edit] Procedural dramas

• Murder, She Wrote (1984-1996)
• Quantum Leap (1989-1993)
• Law & Order (1990-present)
• Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999-present)
• Law & Order: Criminal Intent (2001-present)
• CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000-present)
• CSI: Miami (2002-present)
• Without a Trace (2002-2009)
• Cold Case (2003-present)
• CSI: New York (2004-present)
• House (2004-present)^[3][4][5]
• Bones (2005-present)^[6]
• Ghost Whisperer (2005-present)
• Lie To Me (2008-present)^[5]
• The Mentalist (2008-present)^[5]

[edit] References

[edit] See also

• Police procedural