Identify: Lost

Who is the intended target audience of Lost?

The main intended target audience of the hit 2004 television series Lost is mainstream. The show attracts a large mainstream audience and has been coded to be inclusive for both active and passive audiences. This is shown through genre conventions, and more specifically the narrative, enigma codes and ensemble cast. The shows hybridity counts towards its success as a mainstream text.

The text, in particular the episode that I analysed, series 1, episode 2, "The Pilot" part 2, features two flashbacks, which is part of a non-linear narrative and allows the viewer a deeper insight into the previous events. This narrative allows the audience to watch the episode without watching the previous episode, and still gain an insight into the current plot. This is displayed in scenes 1 and 2 of the episode, as the narrative jumps to a flashback within the first few minutes of the episode. Another common convention of the genre is binary opposition, created by Levi Strauss. This is demonstrated at the beginning of the episode on the beach, when Claire and Shannon are talking. Claire is heavily pregnant and fully clothed, whereas Shannon is fragmented in a bikini, showing of her body. Another example of this is when Kate is bathing in a bikini when she is approached by Sun, who is also fully clothed as she is controlled by her husband, showing different ethnic backgrounds and traditions, approaching a wider target audience.

The episode has a very large use of enigma codes. This keeps the viewers entertained and curious as to what is going to happen next. The enigma codes are usually given to the audience just before an advertisement break, which keeps the audience guessing and tuned into the programme. Throughout the series', the enigma codes are not always answered within the same episode and can be left unanswered for many episodes. Some examples of the enigma codes within this specific episode include the mystery of the handcuffs and the paranoia/questioning of the characters, which is unexplained until the end of the episode. The attack from the Polar Bear on the island is a mystery, as the island is obviously tropical and Polar Bears do not live in the climate. This question is not answered within the episode, in addition to the location. At the end of the episode, the question is asked, "where are we?", which is a question that the audience has probably been asking for the entirety of the episode and the previous episode. Again, the episode ends on an enigma code, as the group of characters attempting to find a signal to send for their rescue, discover a distress signal transmitted from the island 16 years ago, playing on a continuous loop. All of these enigma codes make the audience curious and want to watch the next episode(s). This is another mainstream convention.

Another convention used in the text is the stereotypical character roles. This text conforms to Propp's classic character role theory, as a few of the main characters act certain ways and are actually referred to as specific character roles. For example, Jack is referred to as being a hero by Sawyer. The females seek male approval, for example before the hike when Shannon asks Sayid if she can go on the hike. Her brother intervenes and refuses, but Sayid has the final say, allowing her to join them on their quest. Showing that ultimately, males have all of the power and dominancy. The large ensemble cast allows a wider viewing audience, conforming to more areas of the uses and gratifications theory. This is another mainstream convention, as the audience can relate deeper with the characters and certain scenarios.

All of these narrative themes and conventions prove that Lost is aimed at a mainstream audience.