Hey there! You know, there’s a plethora of TV genres out there, and we think that what you choose to watch can reveal a lot about who you are. Don’t you agree? What if we told you we could find your television personality with just a few questions? By tapping into your preferences and interests in TV genres, we will uncover patterns that reflect your unique personality traits. Your small-screen persona awaits. Push “play” and take the quiz now!

What is a TV genre?

It is a form of a television program with its own narration, storytelling, tone, target demographic, and so on. A TV show might adhere strictly to the bounds of a genre, or it might mix and match elements from many genres. For example, drama might borrow from comedy, romance, period pieces, etc. 

TV genre types

TV over the past years evolved significantly. There are numerous TV genres to pick from and a myriad of subgenres and subtypes. There’s truly something for every taste out there these days. In the streaming era, it might even seem like an overabundance. Can we ever hope to catch up on the neverending wave of new releases? At least there will always be something fresh and exciting to discover. Let’s explore the classic TV genres, from sitcoms and dramas to reality shows and crime thrillers, and how they’ve evolved through time. 

Drama

TV dramas are probably right up your alley if you like twists and turns, compelling story arcs, and a good tearjerker. You’re not alone; drama has long been a favored television genre.

The 2010s saw a boom in popularity for drama with shows like This Is Us or The Handmaid’s Tale. There are many drama subgenres to pick and choose from, too. Teenagers and young adults might enjoy a good teen drama (13 Reasons Why), while fans of police shows could turn toward procedural dramas. We also have docudramas, period dramas, and many others. Grey’s Anatomy, CSI, or Downtown Abbey? You decide!

Comedy

People like to have a good laugh, so it’s no wonder comedy has always been popular. Audiences enjoyed a solid sitcom way back in the 1960s (titles like I Love Lucy come to mind). The comedic genre reached new highs in 1975 when Saturday Night Live debuted but truly hit its peak in the 1990s with iconic shows like Friends or Seinfeld.

The early 2000s saw comedy topping the charts again with The Office, Malcolm in the Middle, Gilmore Girls, and others. Nowadays, the laugh-it-up genre might’ve lost some steam, but no worries – we still have plenty of comedy shows to watch! May we propose Schitt’s Creek or Superstore for your consideration? 

Are you a true expert on 90s comedy movies, or do you need a rewatch?

Sci-Fi

Sci-fi was all the rage in the late 1960s. Shows like Star Trek and Doctor Who were spiking interest in cosmic voyages and friendly (or not!) aliens. Sci-fi shows can range from dark dystopian stories to whimsical pseudo-historical pieces. Whatever you’re in the mood for, it’s there: Westworld for Western fans, Lovecraft Country for those craving horror, or Snowpiercer for those interested in eco-fiction. Other hit sci-fi titles from recent years include The Expanse, Altered Carbon, and Love, Death + Robots. 

Reality TV

“Unscripted” television programs existed way back in the 1960s, but reality TV as we know it didn’t explode in popularity until around 2005. Shows like Keeping Up with the Kardashians, The Jersey Shore, Survivor, The Voice, and many more seeped into popular consciousness. A specific subgenre of reality TV is game shows with contestants competing for money, prizes, and fame. Reality shows are not everybody’s cup of tea, but they can be good for escapism. 

Not everyone is reality TV material. Are you?

Horror

Blood and guts, what’s not to like? Horror didn’t always snatch top spots in the charts, but it followed behind more palatable genres like Michael Myers followed his victims. Horror TV is an acquired taste, but once you have a bite, there’s no coming back. Some of the most iconic horror shows of the last decade include American Horror Story, The Walking Dead, The Haunting of Hill House, Stranger Things, and The Terror. Whether you prefer straightforward gore or subtle tension and suspense, the horror genre welcomes you with open arms. 

Which horror movie stereotype are you? Run from the killer and find your answer!

Are you teen drama personified, or more of a sci-fi person? Try this one-of-a-kind quiz. Which TV genres tickle your fancy, and which fit your character? Get your answers!