Towards a new TV canon: The recent history of Spanish TV fiction created for VOD (2016-2020)

Abstract

Introduction. This paper analyzes the current state of the production of serial Spanish TV fiction for Video on demand platforms, from a canonical perspective that allows to establish common characteristics and patterns in serial products of Spanish TV production of VOD platforms and that offers the possibility of outlining a recent history of Spanish TV fiction created to be broadcast in the streaming universe. Metodology. Based on a mixed methodology that combines qualitative analysis with quantitative data, the article analyzes 60 series created for the most far-reaching platforms in Spain and establishes patterns on forms, styles and narrative issues. Results. The results point to a growing interest in the production of Spanish fiction for VOD with its own productive characteristics, which mark the new way of making Spanish fiction, Discussion and Conclusions. Despite the fact that little innovation and transgression is evident in terms of narrations and stories refers, this paper reveals a nascent productive canon that is repeated and that establishes a personal stamp that benefits the reception of Spanish fiction on VOD platforms.