Writing good TV reviews (How To Write A Good TV Review)

Member Name: jesperado

Product:	How To Write A Good TV Review
Date:	30/04/09 (213 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Give lots of opinion

Disadvantages: No spoilers please!

As someone who watches a lot of TV, I often find myself writing reviews about it so I thought I'd share a little of what I have learned with other budding reviewers.

BASIC INFORMATION
What kind of show is it? It's easy to forget sometimes that other people may have never heard of your favourite show so remember to give them the basics before you launch into why you love it. Try to be fairly specific if you can as categories like 'comedy' or 'drama' are very broad. It might be useful to note other programmes that are similar to the one you are reviewing but don't get caught up explaining these too much. For example, in my review of Newswipe I mentioned Charlie Brooker's previous TV shows to give readers a sense of what they could expect from this show. You might also want to include details of when it is on or if it is available on DVD.

CHARACTERS
I usually try to include descriptions of a few of the characters. It's always interesting to find out which characters people like in a show and why they like them. Make sure that the information you give is appropriate to what you are reviewing. By this I mean that if you are reviewing a programme in general rather than a specific series, you would be best not mentioning Mr X's long lost brother that turns up in the shocking finale of season 4!

PLOT
Again, you need to think about the reader when deciding how much detail to give of the plot. If it is a factual show, it may be useful to give quite a lot of detail about what is covered but giving away the plot twists of a thriller won't be so well received. If you get carried away then realise you have given away too much, edit your review as soon as possible.

LIKES AND DISLIKES
This is the most important part of any review and what people will keep coming back to read. Your opinions on what is good or bad about a show should take up most of your review. This could be anything from the writing to the stars of the show or some funny lines in a comedy. Try to give reasons why you like something rather than just saying it is good or bad as this doesn't help a reader decide whether they want to read it or not.

ADULT CONTENT
I usually try to warn readers if a programme has adult content in terms of swearing, violence sex or anything else that they might find offensive. I am not easily offended and do not mind watching programmes about sensitive/upsetting subjects but I realise that not everyone feels the same way. If there is something in a show which you found shocking or distressing, the chances are that someone else will feel the same so you may want to warn them.

Hope these tips are helpful!

Summary: I look forward to reading your reviews!