anthology series

Meaning

This term refers to a radio, television, or film series that presents a different story and a different set of characters in each episode or season. While the episodes are independent, they are usually bound together by a common theme, genre, or style. The term is neutral and commonly used by critics and viewers.

Examples

• Black Mirror is a famous sci-fi anthology series where each episode explores a different dark side of technology.

  Black Mirror is a famous sci-fi anthology series where each episode explores a different dark side of technology.

• Because it's an anthology series, you can watch the episodes in any order you want.

  Because it's an anthology series, you can watch the episodes in any order you want.

• The actor won an award for his performance in the second season of the crime anthology series.

  The actor won an award for his performance in the second season of the crime anthology series.

• I prefer an anthology series because I don't have to commit to a long, continuous storyline.

  I prefer an anthology series because I don't have to commit to a long, continuous storyline.

• The new horror anthology series features a different haunted house story every week.

  The new horror anthology series features a different haunted house story every week.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ This is an anthology show where the story continues next week.

  ✓ This is a serialized show where the story continues next week.

  An 'anthology series' features self-contained stories, while a 'serialized show' features a continuous, ongoing narrative.

• ✗ I watched a series of anthology last night.

  ✓ I watched an anthology series last night.

  'Anthology' is used as a noun adjunct modifying 'series' or 'show.' You cannot refer to a TV program simply as 'a series of anthology.'

Related Expressions

Practice

• Since it's an ___, each episode features a completely new cast of characters.

  💡 A show where each episode or season has a different story.

  Show answer

  anthology series

• She loves the classic sci-fi ___, 'The Twilight Zone', because of its twist endings.

  💡 A collection of self-contained television episodes.

  Show answer

  anthology series