Purpose of the work is to investigate the main formats of modern television series and to identify their specific features. The research methodology is based on the theory of mass communications using general scientific methods of objectivity, analysis, synthesis and comparison, integrated with art and cultural bases. Scientific novelty of the article consists in a detailed research of modern television series formats and a description of their common features, which simplifies the classification and helps to analyze thoroughly each of the genres and types of television series. Conclusions. The TV series today is one of the most effective forms of screen art, equally suitable for game and documentary formats. As more than half a century of research has shown, seriality has become one of the key features of television broadcasting, which drastically distinguishes it from cinema.