The TV show is very comedic and light-hearted, this is visible through the gaps in dialogue for the audience to laugh along with the witty punchlines. 

 

Mrs Browns boys follows the narrative structure, meaning it has an equilibrium, disequilibrium and a new equilibrium. In this specific episode, the equilibrium is when the character Dermott is having a conversation with his mum (Mrs Brown) about his day, which didn’t go very well. This is followed by the mum laughing at his small problems and making a joke to the audience, this is the equilibrium as it is the constant structure of the first part of each episode and it portrays the situation as day-to-day life in the household. The disequilibrium comes when there is a bigger issue for the characters or Mrs Brown in particular, this leads them to go on a journey of conflict or crisis to solve the issue. When the issue is resolved, a new-but-different equilibrium is created and is often very similar to the first preview of the character’s day-to-day life. 

 

The target audience for Mrs Brown’s boys would most likely be families as it appeals to the younger generation because of the light-hearted watch and the parents, or older generation, because of the suggestive witty punchlines, such as; 

“DERMOT: Oh, now the Banger Sisters

AGNES: Banger Sisters? Is that cos they like sausages?

DERMOT: (SHAKING HIS HEAD) Doesn't matter Mammy” 

This short exchange makes a very subtle sexual joke that would amuse an older audience, however, it is not blunt enough to be unsuitable for a younger viewer. 

 

The television ratings for Mrs Browns boys in the United Kingdom show that its opening in the UK won 16.4% of the ratings in its Monday night slot and was received well by viewers. Despite the critical reviews, 2.9 million viewers had tuned in by the third episode.

 

In terms of criticisms, Mrs Browns boys has received a mix. The guardian called it “the worst comedy ever made” however, they mention how this “crude, rude and achingly funny” comedy has gained a “large loyal following”. Reviewers on IMDB tend to drift towards the more positive reactions and call it “classic, old age humour”. 

The TV show is tension-building and full of enigmas, it has a realistic ambience as the conversations are not exaggerated for audience effect. 

 

Line of duty follows the narrative structure by Todorov, however, it is repeated around three times an episode. By this I mean that there will be the equilibrium, disequilibrium and new equilibrium in the form of one issue then as the episode continues, this structure is repeated, with another problem. This structure is commonly used in the thriller genre as it keeps the audience interested throughout. 

 

The target audience for line of duty is adults aged 25-40 in the UK. I think that this would be a suitable age group for the programme as there are adult themes such as crime and scenes of a sexual nature, that wouldn’t be suitable for younger people. Also, because of the nature of the show, it wouldn’t keep a younger audience entertained because of their short attention span and when a programme uses conversation to establish a change in storyline, they lose interest. 

 

The audience figures for line of duty are very high. For the season finale, the programme grabbed over 7.5 million viewers. Critics say they were “hooked” and “couldn’t stop watching the series”, many critics gave it 8-9/10. 

 

Throughout the script, actions are used to change the storyline, compared to physically saying that there is a development in characters relationships. For example, at the start of the first episode directions are given to establish the situation rather than dialogue;

“EXT. TOWER BLOCK. WALKWAY. CONTINUOUS. DAY 1. 1/23

Brackley reaches a flat door signed 56 -- he takes up a position on the far side while the rest of the team form up.

CUT TO:

A couple of the squad apply plastic explosive to the door and set up to detonate.

At the same time, Brackley snatches a glimpse through a window into the flat.”

 

Worst year of my life follows Todorov’s narrative structure as it contains an equilibrium, disequilibrium and a new equilibrium in every episode, the disequilibrium coming in the form of ridiculous problems the main protagonist has. 

 

The target audience for the worst year of my life is children between the ages of 8 and 12. I think that this would be a suitable age group because of the light-hearted, simple humour that would easily entertain children of these ages. 

 

The audience figures for the worst year of my life are pretty mediocre, it is not a popular programme however the audience it does have enjoy it regularly. 

 

Throughout the script, actions are exaggerated and the characters tell the audience what is happening in the shot, such as: 

“MADDY (O.C.) Happy birthday Alex!

They both jump and look to their left... where they see MADDY KENT crouching down with them.

MADDY (CONT’D) I got you a card!

She passes the bemused Alex a card.

ALEX

Why are you hiding too?

MADDY

I don’t know. I assumed it was some

sort of game? I don’t get it through. What are the rules?

ALEX

The rules are to try and not get

beaten up...

Alex peeks over the bins...”

 

It is made clear that Terry is Beth’s dad which implies that Jane is her mother, however there is an enigma that makes the audience think that they aren’t together:

 “TERRY: ...if I helped you to breathe...? You know, you need...you

want to relax.

HE BEGINS TO STROKE HER.

Why don't you relax. How's that? Eh? Is that helping you?

Does that help?

PAUSE

JANE: Don't come near me.” 

 

The target audience for this radio drama is most likely people aged between 20 and 40 in a family household as they would be able to relate to the character’s positions. It is also very serious which wouldn’t appeal as much to a younger audience. 

The narrative structure is used in this content however it is subtle.