Hey everyone,
I'm structuring a show that follows two characters across different stages of their lives together and apart (in the present, in their early 20s and as teens). The past intersects with the present to reveal the full story of their lives together. I'm looking for examples of shows that execute this structure successfully across several seasons (or even just one season) - so far, THIS IS US has been a useful example, but I'm trying to think of more examples of shows that have executed this just as well if not better, but I'm coming up blank. Does anyone have any other suggestions? Many thanks!
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Westworld comes to mind.
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Even though it only lasted two seasons Jericho had that structure.
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You might also check out how they executed the first 3 seasons of LOST which dealt a lot with multiple time lines and backstories. A lot of flashbacks and flashforwards were used to give us perspectives on characters set in the series present.
If you're looking for more thoughts on how to execute it, hit me up at success@stage32.com and I will be happy to give more insights.
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Hi B Lmb, while it may not strictly fit your parameters (or maybe it does in some ways), the German series DARK is worth a look.
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Thank you for such helpful suggestions! I'm especially interested in finding shows that use memories intersecting with the present in inventive or surprising ways - moving away from your typical flashback or flashforward-heavy techniques. I've seen LOST and DARK - the latter is probably more structurally interesting, though the time-travel element is, of course, an entirely different genre - might be one to revisit. I haven't seen WESTWORLD or JERICHO, so I will check out both pilots to see what techniques they use. Thank you :)
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Feel like Prison Break did this to some extent... especially in the later seasons
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Bill Albert Jericho was an amazing show. Totally underwatched and underappreciated but I loved that show when it first came out
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I think that any anthology could be an example to follow.
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Fellow Travelers traces a relationship from the 1950's to the 1980's jumping between timelines throughout the episodes of the miniseries. It's also brilliantly written. (warning: very explicit sexual content).
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I've only seen one season of Yellowjackets and it's quite violent, but it was incredibly successful at telling the story of its characters across two (and sometimes more) timelines simultaneously.
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In the 70’s TV generation drama was popular Eg The Forsythe Saga, Roots. Star Trek continuous since 60’s.
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House of the Dragon S1 moved forward in the timeline after a few episodes. I thought it was good. It pushed the story along. I'm a casual fan of the genre, but it kept my interest.