Television animation: an exploration of the contemporary, adult-oriented animation series with a specific study of Drawn Together

Abstract

This research report aims to identify and explore the various aesthetic, narrative and ideological techniques employed by a specific style of contemporary television animation series, through a close case study of the series Drawn Together. I shall define this animation as the contemporary adult-oriented style, one which has found particular favour with a young, media savvy adult audience and enjoys a mostly cult success in many parts of the world. This style is one which works just as much as a social commentary on various contemporary issues as it does a comedic animated show. The report will provide a historical exploration of this specific style of television animation series by looking at specific other examples, including The Simpsons, Beavis and Butthead and South Park,to create a basis of understanding through which to explore the formulation of Drawn Together. In discussing Drawn Together, the report will also provide a history of Drawn Together’s broadcast channel, Comedy Central, in order to understand the show’s entry into commercial markets and the mass media at large.