From Comedy to Horror. Characters, Plots and Stereotypes in the Adaptations of the Juvenile Fiction Sabrina: from Free Television to Netflix Streaming

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5209/arab.79765
Keywords: Teen series, Television fiction, Adolescent characters, Stereotypes, Netflix, Sabrina
Agencies: Investigación realizada por personal investigador predoctoral en formación para el periodo 2018-2022, Departamento de Innovación, Investigación y Universidad del Gobierno de Aragón y cofinanciado con el Programa Operativo Fondo Social Europeo FSE 2014-2020, «Construyendo Europa desde Aragón». Miembro del Instituto Universitario de Investigación Patrimonio y Humanidades y del Grupo de Investigación en Comunicación e Información Digital (GICID) de la Universidad de Zaragoza, reconocido como grupo de referencia, por el Gobierno de Aragón con el código S29_20R (Núm. 62 del Boletín Oficial de Aragón, de fecha 26/03/2020), dentro del área de Ciencias Sociales y financiado por el Fondo Social Europeo de Desarrollo Regional, FEDER “Construyendo Europa desde Aragón”.

Abstract

The teenage comic character Sabrina has been adapted for teen television from two antagonistic prisms: from open-air comedy to streaming mystery fiction on Netflix. To check their similarities and differences, a qualitative content analysis is applied, designed for the study of supernatural adolescent series, which analyzes about thirty characters, their plots and conflicts, visual development, and their stereotypes. The article concludes that, in essence, the protagonists show continuity, but with great de facto differences regarding affective relationships. Story plots confront bullying and defend feminism, sexual freedom, and equality. Both adaptations of this teenage series are distant in form but not in substance. In them, the teenage icon decides her future, magical and mortal, by overcoming social injustices, defending her family and showing loyalty to her friends.

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Published
2022-06-02
How to Cite
Gascón Vera, P. (2022). From Comedy to Horror. Characters, Plots and Stereotypes in the Adaptations of the Juvenile Fiction Sabrina: from Free Television to Netflix Streaming. Área Abierta. Revista de Comunicación Audiovisual Y Publicitaria, 22(2), 271-290. https://doi.org/10.5209/arab.79765
Issue
Vol. 22 No. 2 (2022): Monográfico: Mujer(es) e industrias creativas
Section
Monográfico

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