Netflix, the New Seriality and the Transcendental Style. Analysis of the Third Season of Master of None

Abstract

With the advent of platforms like Netflix, the television medium has undergone significant transformations. This study aims to analyze how the third season of Master of None challenges traditional norms of television seriality through the use of elements characteristic of auteur cinema, narrative catalysis, and the transcendental style. The research employs a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative analysis, using specific tools to evaluate the syntactic and semantic dimensions of the season. The findings reveal that this season departs from the fundamental principles of television seriality by presenting intermittent central characters and settings, focusing on a single storyline, and predominantly employing narrative catalysis. Moreover, it prioritizes everyday life and transcendental themes, aligning more closely with auteur cinema than conventional television fiction. Thus, Master of None introduces an innovative narrative model that diverges from established conventions.