An explosion of 'event series' on TV: ��Just a few years ago, both projects would have been classified as miniseries. But the format has been rebranded. Now these two and many of TV's most ambitious upcoming projects are tagged "event series."
What is that, you may ask? Event series are close-ended stories generally told over 10 installments or less. They're big-ticket packages that channels can heavily promote.
"We use the 'event' label to make people take notice," says Robert Greenblatt, NBC entertainment chairman. " 'Miniseries' doesn't register with people. It's archaic. We want to make things feel bigger."
NBC is currently running The Slap, a sophisticated eight-part limited series with a prestige ensemble that includes Peter Sarsgaard, Uma Thurman, Zachary Quinto, Brian Cox, and Thandie Newton.
That's part of the appeal of event series. They can attract more distinguished casts because they don't demand the same lengthy commitments from actors that traditional series do.
What is that, you may ask? Event series are close-ended stories generally told over 10 installments or less. They're big-ticket packages that channels can heavily promote.
"We use the 'event' label to make people take notice," says Robert Greenblatt, NBC entertainment chairman. " 'Miniseries' doesn't register with people. It's archaic. We want to make things feel bigger."
NBC is currently running The Slap, a sophisticated eight-part limited series with a prestige ensemble that includes Peter Sarsgaard, Uma Thurman, Zachary Quinto, Brian Cox, and Thandie Newton.
That's part of the appeal of event series. They can attract more distinguished casts because they don't demand the same lengthy commitments from actors that traditional series do.