'Best. Show. Eever.': Who killed Veronica Mars?. Issue 1 (1st April 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Paproth, Matthew
• Is Part Of: Journal of popular television. Volume 1:Issue 1(2013)
• Page Start: 39
• Page End: 52
• Publication Date: 2013-04-01
• Subjects: Television broadcasting -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; 791.4505
• DOI: 10.1386/jptv.1.1.39_1
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2046-9861

Abstract

In this article, I argue that Veronica Mars is a fruitful site for critical analysis as a result of its position between cult and mainstream fandom. As a result of network pressure, writer-creator Rob Thomas made significant changes to both the show's structure and content; simultaneously, he positioned it as a cult-television haven for fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which had recently gone off the air. This deliber-ate positioning, coupled with Thomas's openness about the process and the surprising willingness of cult fans to cooperate, makes it a unique case study in the business of popular television.