Teen dramas have different themes like science fiction, fantasy, action, adventure and different array of realistic teen issues that are relevant to the teens and not-so-teen young crowds. Besides this, such dramas expose extravagant and posh lifestyles that undoubtedly lure the youth. [break] But the issue here is whether it is healthy to indulge in such high life and fantasy world portrayed by such teen serials.
Mostly teen dramas are set in affluent locations and have a cast of attractive and popular actors living a privileged and high standard lives. Hence, it is only natural for anyone to have a desire to be a part of the kind of lifestyles depicted in these serials. Prasamsha Bhattarai, 18, a student and an avid teen drama enthusiast, says, “Serials based on teens has always been a part of my life. I wish I could live the life of the characters of The O C as they always seem to have so much fun”. It comes as no surprise that series like The O C, Beverly Hills 90121, One Tree Hill, Greek, Skins, Dawson´s creek, Gossip girl, Glee have got the youth glued to the television set.
Teen dramas are not only fun to watch but they also feature some controversial plots which reflect various issues prevalent in the teen culture. Wild parties, teen sex, alcohol, drug abuse are persistent themes in such serials, fueling bad behavior as the youth may model the actions shown by such dramas. However, there´s always a moral to be learned from such serials and everyone is responsible for the person they choose to be.
There are also students who are so engrossed in such dramas that they neglect their studies and get hooked to the so-called “idiot box”. Parents too would agree on this one. Rajendra Giri, father of Simran Giri, 17, says, “I always see my daughter hooked to the television set, so I often complain and ask her to concentrate on her studies more but she ignores it.” Simran Giri confirms it by saying that she hardly misses any episode of 90210. “I am so in love with the characters that I would be very disappointed if I missed to watch them,” she adds.
With time Nepali channels too have been showing few shows based on teenagers and youth. But it is true that they don´t get as much audience as the foreign serials. Swarnim Lama, a student and a job-holder, says, “I definitely prefer watching foreign serials like those in Star World because it is more entertaining and doesn´t have cheap humor like in Nepali serials.”
It seems like most of the youngsters in the capital are reluctant to watch our own productions but prefer foreign ones instead. Nepali serials failing to shoot at extravagant locations and lack of good actors could be the main drawback. Since Nepali serials fail to provide the glitz and glamour that are exposed so exclusively by foreign serials the youngsters here resort to foreign serials that are more realistic, extravagant, poignant, and endearing.
However, the youngsters in Kathmandu seem welcoming to new ideas and concepts regarding serials in Nepal. Sampanna Aryal, 23, a student, says, “I would definitely watch Nepali serials if it is based on genuine issues and is of good standard.”.
Some serials that have the classic suburban setting tell stories that are in some way similar to the lives of its viewers. The storyline revolves around relationship with their friends, the teacher they hate, complex love hate relationships, summer vacations, cafeteria dramas and so much more. Such dramas pay attention to every minute detail and the essence that comes out of it is blended so well that it fully serves the need of the audience. No wonder teens are so much enthralled watching them.
Teen serials explicitly and deftly capture the exhilaration and frustration of adolescence and genuinely persuade the audience with its realistic depiction of the kind of lives that many youngsters lead. No matter how corny and clichéd the serial is, as long as it hits the nail on the head, the audience are not going anywhere. Youngsters in Kathmandu, it seems, are just hooked to the glamour and the fantasy world as it is one way of viewing reality by escaping from reality itself. So as long as the teens don´t get carried away it is always a treat to indulge in such teen dramas.
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