Serial (radio and television)
In television and radio programming, a serial has a continuing plot that unfolds in a sequential episode-by-episode fashion. Serials typically follow main story arcs that span entire television seasons or even the full run of the series, which distinguishes them from traditional episodic television that relies on more stand-alone episodes. Worldwide, the soap opera is the most prominent form of serial dramatic programming.
Serial (radio and television)
In British television, the term "serial" is usually used instead of "miniseries".
In some casessuch as the costume drama "Pride and Prejudice" (BBC One, 1995) or the contemporary social drama "Our Friends in the North" (BBC Two, 1996)these are stand-alone dramas, and at the conclusion of the last episode, the program itself ends. In other cases, perhaps most famously the original series of "Doctor Who" (1963–89), the programme is made up of a continuing series of different serials.