TV Drama Types

The Serial - A serial has a continuous storyline throughout a number of linked programmes. Each episode does not have an ending, it carries onto the next programme. A serial usually has from 13 to 18 episodes before the end of the serial.
Examples of serials
Waterloo Road - It is on for roughly 10 episodes at a time. Each story carries on throughout the serial, but a new one is also introduced every week.

Soaps - A soap is a ongoing programme throughtout the year, and is part of a serial.
Examples of a soap
Eastenders - It has main characters and is in a set location.
Hollyoaks - It has ongoing set storylines for each different characters.

The Series - Each episode is a complete story, and there is an ending to each episode and so the audience is not left wondering what is going to happen in the next episode. There are no cliffhangers.
Examples of a series
Inbetweeners- Inbetweeners is a serial as each episode has an ending, and the next episode does not lead on from the last.
Misfits- Each episode has an ending and the storyline is not ongoing. At the end of each episode, it shows the audience what is going to happen next time.

The Mini Series- A serial or series up to about 6 episodes. E.g. The Promise

The one off drama - A drama of only one episode.

The Costume Drama - adaptation of a classic text, for example Pride and Prejudice.