Long-Form Factual Storytelling
A docuseries, or documentary series, is an evolution of the feature documentary format, adapted for the age of streaming and binge-watching. While a traditional documentary film must condense a story into a runtime of roughly two hours, a docuseries leverages an episodic structure to explore a subject with far greater depth, nuance, and narrative complexity. This format allows filmmakers to include more interviews, delve into more subplots, and build suspense over multiple episodes.
The rise of streaming platforms like Netflix, HBO Max, and Hulu has led to a golden age of the docuseries, with a particular boom in the true-crime genre. However, the format has also become a vital medium for film lovers and historians.
Docuseries for Cinephiles
Some of the most compelling docuseries are those that turn the camera on the film industry itself:
- In-Depth ‘Making Of’ Stories: These series go far beyond the typical Blu-ray special feature, offering a feature-length look at the creation of a film or franchise. Examples include Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian and the fan-produced Never Sleep Again: The Elm Street Legacy.
- Filmmaker Biographies: Multi-part series can explore the life and legacy of a major cinematic figure in incredible detail, such as HBO’s The Last Movie Stars (about Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward) or Sinatra: All or Nothing at All.
- Film History Explorations: The episodic format is perfect for exploring a specific genre, movement, or era of film history, like CNN’s expansive series The Movies.