Conventions of a TV drama

What set of rules, codes and formulae does TV drama follow?

• Scripted, fictional narrative.
• Central characters.
• Often continuous story lines.
• Often familiar settings.
• Key themes.
• Verisimilitude (relatable, realistic settings, characters and story lines).
• Could be a one-off/ special, mini series, serial.
• Serials can be progressive story lines, continuing from week to week and developing across a series, or can be self contained each episode, despite featuring the same characters and settings.
• Distinctive style of directing/ shooting.