Evaluate the relevance of Baudrillard's theory to LFTVDs. (10 marks)

Baudrillard argues that due to being in a state of postmodernism, we no longer able to distinguish reality from a simulacrum of reality- what Baudrillard refers to as hyperreality. In address to the question above, I will evaluate the relevance of this theory to the long-form television dramas, Stranger Thing and The Killing.Stranger Things is a perfect example of a drama that has been created within the realms of postmodern society, filled with artificial reality. The font used within the title sequence is an intertextual link to Stephen King's "It", exemplifying how media texts are simply copied to subconsciously reinforce ideologies. This is further shown through intertextual references to early Spielbergian film, such as The Goonies (through similarities in characters and costumes) as well as ET (within the mise en scene), moreover, the Leica Summilux-C lens is used to replicate that of the 80s. However, the culture that is presented as the 'perfect' small-town community, built upon within previous media texts, is quickly broken apart. This is thereby showing the damage that nuclear families have caused, thus we should embrace diversity and move further into postmodernism, whereby there are multiple representations to identify with. Therefore Baudrillard's theory is relevant to an extent, as he states that the simulacrum is a glossy version of reality, which Shawn Levy creates, but then tears away. In stark contrast, The Killing creates a sense of verisimilitude, a gritty sense of reality. This is exemplified through the opening, as Nanna is being chased through the woods, with extreme close-ups showing the fear upon her face, as well as blood slowly running down her face, thus showing the stark reality of the trauma. This is further reinforced by the editing and postproduction, with no special effects added, allowing the narrative to engage the audience, throughout the long scenes, across the 20 episodes- reinforcing the reality, as a policeman revealed that after 20 weeks it becomes increasingly harder for the murderer to be caught. Therefore The Killing clearly juxtaposes Baudrillard's theory, as there has been no copy of reality created.To conclude, neither dramas strictly conform to Baudrillard's theory of hyperreality, thus it could be argued that society is not in a state of postmodernism, simply still in late modernism. However, it's clear that nordic noirs, such as The Killing clearly juxtapose the theory of hyperreality due to the genre. Despite The Killing being a global success (bought by over 120 countries), it is non-comparable to the success of Stranger Things. This thereby shows that although to all dramas conform to this theory, the notion of hyperreality, it clearly more popular among a mass audience.