Covid-19 representation in American medical television series

ABSTRACT

This study discusses the Covid-19 representation of the five prime-time American medical series (Chicago Med, Grey's Anatomy, New Amsterdam, The Good Doctor, The Resident) screened in 2020-2022. Cultivation theory is an established research framework on medical series;there are studies on the educational potential of the genre too. Following these lines, the analysis aims to identify common plot elements and narratives. Technology, information exchange, and the role of professionals are focal points of the study. The five medical series portrayed the pandemics in three stages the appearance of the first cases, the crises during the first wave, and the aftermath. Series promoted scientific viewpoints and safety protocols. Covid-19 created a new classification category within the genre now it is possible to differentiate between medical series representing the pandemic as an ongoing or past issue. It is a sensitive question since this genre aims to present accurate information and educate the viewers. © 2022 Infonia. All rights reserved.