Is a documentary a movie or TV show? Why?

Understanding the Concept of Documentaries

Before we dig deeper into the question of whether a documentary is a movie or a TV show, let's first understand what a documentary is. A documentary is a type of non-fictional motion-picture aimed to document some aspect of reality, primarily for the purposes of instruction, education, or maintaining a historical record. They are often used to reveal an interesting, unusual or unknown angle. The content tends to be more on the informative side, but it can also be entertaining.

The Distinction between Movies and TV Shows

In order to answer the main question, we have to first define what exactly is a movie and a TV show. Movies, also known as films, are a type of visual communication which use moving pictures and sound to tell stories or teach people something. They are generally longer and have a more complex narrative structure. On the other hand, TV shows are programs that are broadcasted on television. They usually follow a series format, where the main characters face a new conflict every episode.

Is a Documentary a Movie?

After understanding the basic definitions, let's explore if a documentary can be considered a movie. If we look at the definition, a documentary can indeed be a movie. It is a type of film that is based on creating a factual record or reporting on factual events. Therefore, when a documentary is produced and released for theatrical viewing, it is considered a movie. For instance, the documentary "An Inconvenient Truth" about climate change was released in movie theaters and won two Academy Awards.

Is a Documentary a TV Show?

So, can a documentary be a TV show? Yes, it can. There are plenty of documentaries that are designed specifically for television. These are sometimes broken down into episodes and series. They are usually shorter in length and cover a wide range of topics. A good example of a documentary TV show would be "Planet Earth" by the BBC. Therefore, based on the method of distribution, a documentary can also be classified as a TV show.

Importance of the Platform

The platform where a documentary is released plays a crucial role in determining whether it is a movie or a TV show. If it is released on a platform that primarily caters to movies, such as a cinema, then it is considered a documentary film or movie. However, if it is released on a platform that primarily caters to television content, like cable TV or a streaming service, then it is considered a documentary TV show.

Duration and Structure

Another factor that can determine whether a documentary is a movie or a TV show is its duration and structure. Documentaries that are structured as long-form narratives or feature films are typically considered movies. On the other hand, documentaries that are episodic, shorter in duration, or part of a series are usually considered TV shows. However, it's important to note that there are always exceptions to these rules.

Conclusion: The Blend of Both Worlds

In conclusion, a documentary can be either a movie or a TV show depending on several factors like the platform of release, duration, and structure. It's a versatile genre that can fit both formats. So, while it can be confusing to categorize, the focus should be on the content and the message that the documentary is trying to convey rather than the medium. After all, the main purpose of documentaries is to educate, inform, and inspire, regardless of whether it's a movie or a TV show.