Rachel Colgan
Over the past three decades, television has undergone a significant transformation from the rigid schedules of broadcast programming to the flexible, personalised experience offered by streaming services. This shift has profoundly impacted how audiences consume media, which is particularly visible in the rise of reboots and remakes. This project explores the transition from broadcast television to streaming services and its impact on viewing habits, using the Heartbreak High reboot as a case study to examine how it adapts the original 1990s series to reflect the realities, values, and viewing preferences of today’s audiences. The goal is to demonstrate how the platform and the era shape the form and content of media.
This project carries out a comparative case study approach, analysing the original Heartbreak High and its reboot. It involves exploring how the shift from broadcast television to streaming platforms has influenced storytelling structures, audience engagement, and representation. The analysis involves close viewing of selected episodes from the first season of both versions, with a focus on narrative structure, the transition from mass-audience broadcasting to personalised viewing, and the development of representation. The project draws on written sources such as academic articles, books, news articles, and the series themselves to evaluate how form and content have been adapted for contemporary audiences and viewing practices.
The shift from broadcast television to streaming has transformed not only how audiences consume media, but also how stories are told. The Heartbreak High reboot reflects this change through season-long story arcs designed for binge-watching, personalised viewing leading to stronger youth-centred narratives, and the inclusion of more authentic representation. These choices aren’t just creative, they respond to the expectations of contemporary audiences and the technological advancements.
During my time at IADT, I’ve developed my skills in video and audio editing by creating podcasts, short films, and documentaries. These are just a few of the projects I’ve worked on over the past four years. While I’m still figuring out my creative focus in this constantly shifting media landscape, I’m excited to find my place in it and continue growing creatively beyond college.
