seriaali

Seriaali is a Finnish term that translates to "series" or "serial" in English. It most commonly refers to television series, a program broadcast on television in a sequence of installments. These installments, often called episodes, are typically released on a regular schedule, such as weekly. Television series can encompass a wide variety of genres, including drama, comedy, documentary, and reality television.

The term can also be used more broadly to describe any work presented in installments, such as a serial novel or a serial podcast. Historically, serials were a popular form of entertainment in early cinema, where films were released in chapters over time, building suspense and encouraging audiences to return for the next installment.

In contemporary usage, "seriaali" is predominantly associated with the binge-watching culture that has emerged with the rise of streaming services. Platforms like Netflix, HBO Max, and others release entire seasons of their original content at once, allowing viewers to consume multiple episodes consecutively. This has shifted the viewing habits for many, moving away from weekly anticipation towards a more immediate and continuous experience. The production and consumption of televisual series, or "seriaalit," remain a significant part of global media and entertainment industries.