Steve Neale states that genres may be dominated by repetition, but are also marked by difference, variations, and change. Humans is a Channel 4 sci-fi drama which reinforces Neale's theory. The show follows the lives of humans and synths. Synths are things that can be found in many sci-fi media products such as Blade Runner. It also shows differences as it has elements of other genres, for example, soap operas.
The sci-fi genre tries to tell the audience about the world in which we live. Humans conforms to this as they are showing the advancement in technology and how it can take over our lives. The synths are living in the main characters’ house, where they are unaware of their ability to feel and do things beyond an ordinary robot. Although the synth is acting more robotic at this time, it is telling the audience that eventually we may not be able to tell the difference between humans and robots as they become increasingly similar.
However, this show shows variation as it has elements of soap operas. The show has many elements of drama which are conventional to soap operas, for example, there is the storyline of the mother and daughter not having a good relationship. This is something you would expect to see in a soap opera rather than a sci-fi drama.
Also, you may expect a sci-fi drama to be set in a place which is very technology based, holograms, special cars etc. However, this drama puts the audience in a modern context. There is an establishing shot which shows uses tree lined streets with domestic residences – not the futuristic setting we would expect. This suggests immediately that this drama is not completely conventional to the sci-fi drama.