Remediation Theory: Analyzing What Made Quarterlife Successful as an Online Series and Not A Television Series

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to examine the internet webisode phenomenon Quarterlife and determine what structural elements made it suitable for internet viewing but not television. As media begin to transform themselves from traditional to new, it is imperative for content to adapt itself structurally as well. This textual analysis of Quarterlife is based on the theoretical background of Bolter and Grusin’s remediation theory. Through this research, a better understanding is gained regarding how structural elements need to be altered across media. The content of Quarterlife catered to a very small niche audience, but these elements do not translate well to a wider television audience. It is apparent that Quarterlife incorporated elements of both hypermediacy and transparent immediacy. However, these elements were disproportional, possibly leading to its failure as a television series.