Relationships in TV-drama series : Understanding contemporary portrayals of couples

Abstract: Almost everyone has some experience of seeing fictional couples in visual entertainment media. A large body of research has investigated the relationship depictions and their effects on how people perceive their own relationships. These studies have clearly shown that relationship representations in movies or TV series have an impact on the way we perceive our own relationships and are regulated by our exposure to them. However, these studies have primarily focused on the romanticised representations found in romantic comedies, or children's movies. These studies have criticised these depictions as problematic and unrealistic. The statistics and selection of popular streaming services, like Netflix and HBO Max, does however reveal that these genres are not the ones that account for the most exposure. Despite this, less research has been done in genres like drama series that account for more exposure–and may render relationships in a more realistic light. The purpose of this study was therefore to describe how adult romantic relationships that subscribe to mono-normative ideals are portrayed in contemporary western drama series. Drawing on a theoretical framework of relationship theories in late modernity by authors like Beck and Beck-Gernsheim, Bauman and Illouz, the study analysed 3 seasons from each of 5 popular drama series. The findings show that relationships are depicted as a constant struggle between increasing relationship stability (through recognition) and decreasing stability through risk mentality, individualization and liquid love. In these shows, relationships are defined through the severity of problems they face, where the forces pulling couples apart simultaneously make out their foundation. The findings suggest that relationships representations in drama series are comparatively more realistic than their romanticised counterpart but no less problematic.