Content area
Abstract
Premium television is known to air controversial topics that prime-time television cannot. Because of this, the types of shows that are shown are thought to push a liberal agenda. Employing Goffman’s theory of covering (expanded by Yoshino), this study examines how this is not the case and that premium television represents an ideology of integrating into the mainstream. Through a queer criticism framework, this study examines three television shows: Dexter, Big Love, and True Blood, to unpack the metaphoric elements that reveal a mainstream foundation. Through an examination of the characters in these television programs, it is evident that the use of symbols and discourse helps shape what is acceptable and unacceptable in mainstream culture. It is ultimately understood that the programs studied represent an ideal representation of queerness in society. An exploration of how these results fit into the larger discourse regarding mainstreaming is examined.
