Developments in Crime Drama

Developments in Crime Drama

Technological Advancements

  • The rise of digital technology in the 21st century dramatically impacted the production and consumption of crime dramas. The introduction of high definition filming and special effects resulted in more realistic depictions of crime scenes.
  • Online streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime have changed how audiences interact with crime dramas, enabling binge-watching and creating demand for longer, more complex narratives.

Changes in Narrative Structure and Complexity

  • Serialized crime dramas have become more popular, where the story arcs span multiple episodes or even seasons. This means the storylines can be more intricate and the character development more profound.
  • Non-linear narrative structures have increased in popularity, with complex flashbacks, unpredicted plot twists and mysteries that might not be solved until the end of a season.

Social & Cultural Influences

  • Crime dramas have become more reflective of social and cultural changes. Issues like racial discrimination, gender inequality and corruption are explored more frequently and in more depth.
  • There has been an increase in diverse representation in crime dramas, in terms of race, gender, sexuality and disability, with more complex, nuanced characters from underrepresented communities.

Globalisation and Crime Drama

  • American crime dramas are popular worldwide, influencing considerably the aesthetics and storytelling techniques of crime dramas produced in other countries. With the rise of global streaming platforms, the production of crime dramas has also become more international.
  • Nordic noir crime dramas have gained popularity internationally, demonstrating how national television cultures can have a considerable influence on the global genre.

The Rise of True Crime Drama

  • The recent surge in ‘real-life’ crime dramas, based on real criminal cases, has brought a new dimension to the genre.
  • Forensic crime dramas have gained popularity, delving into the scientific aspects of crime-solving and resulting in sub-genres such as medical crime drama.

Understanding these developments is key to analysing and appreciating modern crime dramas in both their cultural context and as part of the genre’s evolution.