The City as Protagonist: How TV Series Reimagine Urban Space

This article from artpress examines the evolution of the city as a central character in television series, tracing its roots back to 19th-century serialized novels. The author, Nils C. Ahl, argues that while early TV series often relied on stereotypical urban imagery, contemporary shows increasingly use the city as a complex protagonist. Key examples include David Simon's 'The Wire' (Baltimore, 2002-2008) and 'Treme' (New Orleans, 2010-2013), which present cities not just as backdrops but as integral to narrative and aesthetic experience. The article critiques sociological readings of these series, emphasizing their artistic and emotional dimensions. It also discusses how series like 'Sex and the City' (Manhattan), 'The Sopranos' (suburbs), and 'Bron/Broen' (Copenhagen-Malmö) use specific urban settings to explore social dynamics. The piece concludes that the serial format's extended duration allows for a unique, immersive experience of urban space, creating familiarity with places and atmospheres over time.