Analysis of Edutainment Television Programs for Adolescents on IRIB (1981–2024)

Over the past five decades, edutainment has emerged as a novel paradigm in global television program production, combining educational and recreational objectives and, in addition to filling leisure time, contributing to the enhancement of adolescents’ cognition, knowledge, and skills. This study aims to identify and interpret the underlying themes and meaningful patterns in Iranian television edutainment programs specifically designed for adolescents during the period from 1981 to 2024 (1360–1403 in the Iranian calendar). The research is qualitative and descriptive–analytical, conducted using library studies and an inductive thematic analysis approach. The data consisted of 37 written sources related to prominent edutainment programs, which were categorized into 165 initial codes and analyzed within 8 sub-themes and 2 main themes.

The findings indicate that, regarding the main structural theme, programs have evolved from simple and one-way formats to hybrid, magazine-style, and interactive forms. In terms of the main content theme, the focus has shifted from teaching basic norms and ethics toward identity formation, realistic role modeling, reflecting social concerns, and fostering adolescent agency. The overall outcome of these transformations suggests a transition of media from a guiding and instructive role to a meaningful, participatory, and action-oriented platform for adolescents.