Genre Analysis of the American TV Show, "Insecure"

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Genre Analysis
Whenever a new TV series graces the television, it comes with a hype that either dies down as the show continues or increases as the show takes different turns. Well, Insecure is one American TV show that has captured the hearts of many viewers in America and continues to gain popularity. The show is different and is centered on the life of Issa Rae whose life is marred by humor, drama, and confusion. Rae is a black woman who is on the cusp of 30, and like many people in their 20s, she is unsure of the direction her life is taking her. This is quite relatable and can be said to be one of the many things that endear many people to the show. Aside from the relatable plot, the series also tackles and seeks to start conversations around many issues facing American black women. The focus of this paper, however, is not on the issues expressed on the show but on the elements of the show that articulate the particular facets that create the comedy-drama genre. It is crucial to recognize that the show is a hybrid or one that crosses genres because it encompasses elements of two genres.
One element of genre that helps to cement Insecure within the genre of comedy-drama is setting. In drama series, setting varies depending on the story being told. The director can choose a realistic or unrealistic setting. The characters can be in space or in a fictional world. However, in Insecure, the setting is realistic and relatable because the story focuses on real issues. The idea of having a realistic setting is so that the show could help people see themselves through the issues discussed in the show. As Rae battles the confusion of being at the cusp of 30 and not knowing what to do with her life, everything appears real, and the setting helps to reveal the authenticity of the situation.
Another element of the show that reveals an aspect of the drama genre in the series is the seriousness of the issues being discussed in the show. Molly, Issa’s friend in the show, offers a perfect example of a person who goes through something that is not only relatable but worth a conversation in contempor...