Fandom is generally viewed as an integral part of everyday life which impacts upon how we form emotional bonds with ourselves and others in a modern, mediated world. Whilst it is inevitable for television series to draw to a close, the reactions of fans have rarely been considered. Williams explores this everyday occurence through close analysis of television fans to examine how they respond to, discuss, and work through their feelings when shows finish airing. Through a range of case studies, including The West Wing (NBC, 2000-2006), Lost (ABC 2004 -2010), Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003), Doctor Who (BBC 1963-1989; 2005-), The X-Files (FOX, 1993-2002), Firefly (FOX, 2002) and Sex and the City (HBO, 1998-2004), Williams considers how fans prepare for the final episodes of shows, how they talk about this experience with fellow fans, and how, through re-viewing, discussion and other fan practices, they seek to maintain their fandom after the show's cessation.
Acknowledgements
Chapter One
Introduction: The beginning of the end
Chapter Two
Ontological security, self-identity and post-object fandom
Chapter Three
Departures, deaths and replacements: When characters leave
Chapter Four
'The constant in my life': The reiteration discourse
Chapter Five
'Turning off the life support': The rejection discourse
Chapter Six
Moving on?: The renegotiation discourse
Chapter Seven
'Living in DVD-land': Post-object fandom, re-watching, and digital media
Chapter Eight
Continuing the Show: Interim fandom, resurrections, fan-created texts
Chapter Nine
Conclusion: Immortal fandom
Index
