Death on the Small Screen: The Psychology of Viewing Violent Television
Death on the Small Screen: The Psychology of Viewing Violent Television examines how fictional television violence intersects with viewers’ thoughts about mortality. It uses five series as case studies and takes a nuanced position between dismissing violent television as harmless and treating it as a direct cause of hostility.
At a glance
- Uses Game of Thrones, The Punisher, Jessica Jones, Sons of Anarchy, and Hannibal as case studies.
- Connects television violence and fictional characters’ motivations with psychological theories about death anxiety.
- Presents a nuanced discussion of violent television’s effects rather than treating it as harmless or automatically harmful.
Reference price: $55.00
Price checked: Nov 14, 2026
View offerAhead of Black FridayExplore the selectionPros and cons
Pros
- The five named television series give readers concrete examples for considering the book’s psychological themes.
- The approach connects television criticism with questions about mortality and ways people manage anxiety.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | McFarland |
|---|---|
| Publication date | October 17, 2022 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 212 pages |
| Reading age | 18 years and up |
| ISBN-10 | 147668801X |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1476688015 |
| Dimensions | 6 x 0.42 x 9 inches |
|---|---|
| Weight listed | 10.4 ounces |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers interested in television criticism, psychology, mortality, and depictions of violence.
- Fans of the five series who want a thematic interpretation of their characters and stories.
Less suited to
- Readers looking for a general guide to television production or a study limited to one series.
Frequently asked questions
What is this book about?
It discusses psychological theories about death anxiety through fictional violence and characters in five television series.
Which series does it examine?
The listing names Game of Thrones, The Punisher, Jessica Jones, Sons of Anarchy, and Hannibal.
Does it argue that violent television is harmless or dangerous?
The listing describes a more nuanced view, avoiding both dismissal as harmless entertainment and complete condemnation as a trigger of hostile behavior.
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