![]() | The examples and perspective in this article deal primarily with the United States and do not represent a worldwide view of the subject. (February 2025) |
In the United States, a miniseries or mini-series is a television show (or series) that tells a story in a predetermined, limited number of episodes. Many miniseries can also be referred to, and shown, as a television film. "Limited series" is a more recent American term which is sometimes used interchangeably. As of 2021[update], the popularity of miniseries format has increased in both streaming services and broadcast television.
The term "serial" is used in the United Kingdom and in other Commonwealth nations to describe a show that has an ongoing narrative plotline, while "series" is used for a set of episodes in a similar way that "season" is used in North America.