Usage In Television

Worksheet Description

This worksheet introduces the concept of cliffhangers as used in television storytelling. A cliffhanger is a narrative device that leaves the audience at the edge of their seats by creating a suspenseful unresolved situation at the end of an episode or season. It’s a strategy to keep viewers hooked, compelling them to return for more to satisfy their curiosity about what will happen next. The use of cliffhangers is a staple in serial storytelling, especially in TV series where the aim is to maintain viewer engagement across the weeks or even months between episodes or seasons.

The worksheet prompts students to consider why cliffhangers are an effective device for television. It invites critical thinking about audience psychology and the business of television production. Students are also tasked with identifying cliffhangers in actual TV shows, providing a practical application of the concept. By analyzing the structure of the cliffhanger and its impact on the audience, students can appreciate how this technique contributes to the storytelling arc and the sustained interest in long-running television programs. The exercise not only enhances comprehension of narrative techniques but also encourages attentive viewing habits.