EMBER Genres

The following table lists and describes the available genre codes in the Enhanced Metadata Bridge for Entertainment Resources (EMBER) genre scheme. Use these codes when you set the scheme attribute of the Genre element to ember_genre. For more details about the Genre element, see Genre in the EMBER element documentation.

Genre code	Description
ember_genre_action	Style: Fictional titles featuring spectacular and/or destructive action sequences Themes: Heroic characters pitted against a force or enemy Content: Physical confrontations and challenges often with overwhelming odds against the hero
ember_subgenre_action_disaster	Style: Action-based fictional titles with a disaster element Themes: Taking place during or after a disaster (e.g. earthquake tsunami volcano) Content: Hero assisting others against a natural disaster
ember_subgenre_action_martial_arts	Style: Action-based titles featuring martial arts combat Themes: Honor discipline and the mastery of physical skill Content: Fight sequences preceded by a journey of spiritual or physical growth
ember_genre_adventure	Style: Fictional titles featuring adventurous narratives and elements Themes: Exploration discovery and overcoming challenges Content: Heroic characters embarking on journeys and facing obstacles
ember_genre_animated	Style: Animated/cartoon content Themes: Vary widely across different animated subgenres Content: Animated storytelling and characters
ember_subgenre_animated_anime	Style: Japanese animation with distinctive visual styles Themes: Wide-ranging, often including complex narratives, cultural elements, and fantastical concepts Content: Animated stories often targeted at various age groups covering diverse genres from science fiction to slice-of-life
ember_genre_comedy	Style: Humorous lighthearted fictional content Themes: Comedy laughter and wit Content: Clever dialogue, slapstick, parody, satire, etc.
ember_subgenre_comedy_dark	Style: Humor with morbid cynical or disturbing tones Themes: Taboo subjects, tragedy, moral ambiguity Content: Darkly humorous takes on serious or unsettling topics
ember_subgenre_comedy_gallows	Style: Humor emerging from tragic, grim, or unfortunate circumstances Themes: Coping with death, disaster, or other bleak realities Content: Darkly comedic perspectives on life's hardships
ember_subgenre_comedy_mockumentary	Style: Fictional stories presented in a documentary-style format Themes: Absurdist or subversive takes on real-world subjects Content: Mockumentary narratives that blur the line between fact and fiction
ember_subgenre_comedy_parody	Style: Humorous imitation of another work or genre Themes: Exaggeration, reversal, and making fun of source material Content: Comedic versions of pre-existing stories characters or styles
ember_subgenre_comedy_satire	Style: Humor used to critique social political or cultural issues Themes: Parody irony and social/political commentary Content: Comedic examination of real-world problems and institutions
ember_subgenre_comedy_screwball	Style: Fast-paced, madcap, and chaotic comedies Themes: Romantic entanglements, class conflicts, and absurdist situations Content: Frantic, farcical, and unconventional comedy
ember_subgenre_comedy_sitcom	Style: Serialized comedic television programs Themes: Everyday life and relationships Content: Situational humor within a recurring cast of characters
ember_subgenre_comedy_slapstick	Style: Physical exaggerated comedy Themes: Absurdist humor and mishaps Content: Exaggerated physical comedy and stunts
ember_subgenre_comedy_standup	Style: Live comedic performances by individual performers Themes: Social commentary, personal anecdotes, observational humor Content: Unscripted comedic monologues
ember_genre_commercial	Style: Paid programming promoting products or services Themes: Persuasive marketing and consumer appeals Content: Advertisements, infomercials, and shopping programs
ember_subgenre_commercial_auction	Style: Live or recorded programs featuring the sale of items through competitive bidding Themes: Valuation, collectibles, antiques, market trends Content: Shows presenting auctions of various items (e.g., art, antiques, collectibles, real estate), expert appraisals, bidding strategies, and behind-the-scenes looks at auction houses
ember_subgenre_commercial_collectibles	Style: Programs focusing on collecting and valuing visual art Themes: Art appreciation, investment, preservation Content: Shows about art collecting, valuation of artworks, preservation techniques for art
ember_subgenre_commercial_infomercial	Style: A program that presents a single product for sale concurrent with the airing Themes: Detailed product demonstrations and direct-to-consumer marketing Content: Extended commercials showcasing the features and benefits of a specific item
ember_subgenre_commercial_shopping	Style: A program that presents multiple products for sale concurrent with the airing Themes: Displaying a range of goods and services to potential customers Content: Televised shopping experiences offering a variety of merchandise
ember_genre_community_cultural	Style: Programs focusing on communal and cultural events Themes: Tradition, heritage, shared experiences Content: Shows about festivals, holidays, cultural practices, and community gatherings
ember_genre_crime	Style: Narratives focused on criminal activities and the justice system Themes: Law enforcement, criminality, investigations, and punishment Content: Stories about crimes, criminals, cops, and courtrooms
ember_genre_documentary	Style: Non-fiction fact-based presentations Themes: Exploration of real-world people events and issues Content: Informative, educational, and investigative non-fiction
ember_subgenre_documentary_docudrama	Style: Dramatized or reenactment-based non-fiction programming Themes: Presenting real-world events and stories in a dramatic narrative format Content: Blending factual elements with dramatized scenes and performances
ember_subgenre_documentary_history	Style: Content presenting events figures and eras from the past Themes: Chronicling significant moments and the evolution of human civilization Content: Documentaries that provide historical context and insight
ember_subgenre_documentary_nature	Style: Content focused on the natural world and environment Themes: Observation and study of the physical and biological phenomena Content: Documentaries about landscapes wildlife and natural processes
ember_subgenre_documentary_science_tech	Style: Content exploring scientific discoveries, innovations, and advancements Themes: Examination of technological progress and its impact on society Content: Documentaries delving into scientific research and new technologies
ember_subgenre_documentary_wildlife	Style: Content featuring non-human creatures and their habitats Themes: Animal behavior, conservation, and the natural world Content: Informative programs about different animal species and environments
ember_genre_drama	Style: Serious, realistic, and emotionally engaging fictional narratives Themes: Varied covering a wide range of human experiences and conflicts Content: Dramatic storytelling that delves into complex character and plot
ember_subgenre_drama_biography	Style: Narratives focused on the life of a real person Themes: Exploration of significant individuals and their experiences Content: Dramatized portrayals of historical or contemporary figures
ember_subgenre_drama_epic	Style: Sweeping grand-scale fictional narratives Themes: Heroism scale and cultural/historical significance Content: Ambitious storytelling on a large majestic canvas
ember_subgenre_drama_espionage_spies	Style: Action-based fictional titles with a focus on espionage Themes: Secret agents, intelligence operations, and moral conflicts Content: Stories about spies, double agents, and covert missions
ember_subgenre_drama_soap_opera	Style: Serialized storylines, multiple plots, daily/weekly episodes, cliff-hangers Themes: Love, family, rivalries, secrets, social issues, wealth, power struggles Content: Relationships, confrontations, scandals, plot twists, marriages, conflicts
ember_subgenre_drama_tragedy	Style: Serious dramatic works featuring a tragic hero's downfall, often due to a fatal flaw or external circumstances Themes: Human suffering, fate vs. free will, moral dilemmas, hubris, catharsis, the human condition Content: Narratives of noble characters facing adversity, making difficult choices, and ultimately meeting a sorrowful end. Often explores ethical quandaries and societal issues
ember_genre_erotic	Style: Content with a focus on sexual themes and subject matter Themes: Intimacy desire and adult-oriented perspectives Content: Narratives and depictions exploring human sexuality
ember_genre_family	Style: Content appropriate for general all-ages audiences Themes: Relatable family dynamics, values, and life experiences Content: Narratives and stories suitable for family viewing
ember_subgenre_family_kids	Style: Content specifically designed for children Themes: Educational, entertaining, and often with moral lessons Content: Animated series, live-action shows, educational programs, tailored for young viewers
ember_subgenre_family_young_adult	Style: Content targeting adolescents and young adults Themes: Coming-of-age stories, self-discovery, first relationships, and navigating early adulthood Content: Dramas, comedies, and other genres featuring young adult protagonists and relevant issues
ember_subgenre_family_special	Style: Family-oriented special programming Themes: Family togetherness, entertainment for all ages Content: Holiday specials, annual events, one-off family entertainment shows
ember_genre_fantasy	Style: Fictional titles incorporating fantastical supernatural elements Themes: Magic, the otherworldly, and imaginative worlds Content: Stories set in fantastical realms with mythical creatures and powers
ember_subgenre_fantasy_mythology	Style: Fictional titles in which the overarching plot is intended to provide the audience with fantastical escapism, with themes based in mythology Themes: Heroic characters or events, intervention or assistance of gods, demigods, or deities, and explanations of natural phenomena, practices, or rites Content: Plots typically involve a heroic character or event, the intervention or assistance of a god, demigod, or deity, and the explanation of a natural phenomenon, practice, or rite
ember_genre_historical	Style: Narratives set in the past at least 20 years prior to release Themes: Significant historical events, figures, and time periods Content: Dramatized portrayals of real-world history
ember_genre_horror	Style: Frightening, suspenseful, and terrifying fictional content Themes: Fear, the macabre, the supernatural, and the unknown Content: Narratives designed to elicit feelings of dread and horror
ember_genre_lifestyle	Style: Programs focused on enhancing personal well-being, home life, and daily experiences Themes: Self-improvement, personal expression, quality of life, practical skills Content: Shows covering various aspects of everyday living including home, food, health, fashion, travel, relationships, and personal development
ember_subgenre_lifestyle_business	Style: Blend of informative and aspirational content. Mix of interviews, case studies, and practical advice. Polished presentation with expert hosts Themes: Personal finance, entrepreneurship, work-life balance. Career development, productivity, leadership, and strategies for professional and financial success Content: Expert interviews, business tips, investment strategies. Features successful entrepreneurs, financial advisors, and career coaches. Includes real-world examples and tools
ember_subgenre_lifestyle_culinary	Style: Programs focused on food preparation and appreciation Themes: Cooking techniques, cuisine exploration, food culture Content: Cooking shows, chef competitions, food travel programs, culinary documentaries
ember_subgenre_lifestyle_fashion	Style: Programs focused on clothing, style, and the fashion industry Themes: Personal style, design trends, fashion as art and culture Content: Shows featuring runway collections, style makeovers, fashion history, designer profiles, fashion industry insights, and practical style advice
ember_subgenre_lifestyle_health_wellness	Style: Content focused on physical and mental well-being Themes: Fitness, nutrition, mental health, alternative medicine Content: Exercise programs, nutrition guides, meditation tutorials, medical advice shows
ember_subgenre_lifestyle_home_garden	Style: Shows about home improvement and gardening Themes: DIY projects, interior design, landscaping, plant care Content: Home renovation shows, gardening tutorials, design makeovers
ember_subgenre_lifestyle_outdoors	Style: Programs focused on outdoor activities, nature experiences, and wilderness skills Themes: Adventure, nature appreciation, survival skills, environmental awareness Content: Shows featuring camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, wildlife observation, outdoor sports, survival techniques, and nature exploration
ember_subgenre_lifestyle_parenting	Style: Programs about child-rearing and family life Themes: Child development, family dynamics, education Content: Parenting advice shows, family-oriented reality programs, educational content for parents
ember_subgenre_lifestyle_travel	Style: Programs exploring destinations and travel experiences Themes: Cultural exploration, adventure, tourism Content: Travel guides, adventure documentaries, cultural immersion shows
ember_genre_mystery	Style: Puzzle-like stories revealing clues gradually, available in various media formats Themes: Truth-seeking, problem-solving, reality vs. appearance, and moral complexity Content: A story where a protagonist investigates a crime or mystery, gathering clues and interviewing suspects before ultimately solving the case
ember_genre_news_current_affairs	Style: Factual timely reporting on news and current events Themes: Politics, business, sports, weather, and other real-world matters Content: Informational programming covering a range of topical subjects
ember_subgenre_news_business	Style: News coverage focused on the economy finance and industry Themes: Corporate activities, markets, and economic trends Content: Reporting on business news and developments
ember_subgenre_news_debate	Style: Discussion and discourse between opposing viewpoints Themes: Exploration of controversial or ideological differences Content: Moderated debates on political social or cultural issues
ember_subgenre_news_magazine	Style: In-depth long-form news coverage and analysis Themes: Comprehensive examination of significant issues and events Content: Extensive reporting and deep dives into newsworthy topics
ember_subgenre_news_politics	Style: News coverage of political figures events and legislation Themes: Government policymaking and the political process Content: Reporting on political news and governmental affairs
ember_subgenre_news_sports	Style: News coverage focused on athletic competitions and teams Themes: Statistics, highlights, and analysis of sporting events Content: Reporting on the latest sports news and results
ember_subgenre_news_tabloid	Style: Sensationalized gossip-oriented news coverage Themes: Celebrity scandal and unverified claims Content: Speculative reporting on high-profile individuals and stories
ember_subgenre_news_special	Style: Extended or focused coverage of significant events or topics Themes: In-depth analysis, real-time reporting, public interest Content: Presidential debates, election night coverage, breaking news specials, investigative reports, significant anniversaries of historical events
ember_subgenre_news_weather	Style: Reporting on current and forecasted meteorological conditions Themes: Climate, natural disasters, and seasonal changes Content: Providing information about weather patterns and predictions
ember_genre_performing_arts	Style: Content featuring live or recorded artistic performances Themes: Music, dance, theater, and other stage-based entertainment Content: Presentations of various performing art disciplines
ember_subgenre_performing_arts_ballet	Style: Highly technical classical dance performances Themes: Elegance, grace, and the artistic interpretation of stories Content: Choreographed ballet productions often set to classical music
ember_subgenre_performing_arts_concerts	Style: Live musical performances by artists or groups Themes: Entertainment artistic expression and fan engagement Content: Recordings or broadcasts of concert events
ember_subgenre_performing_arts_dance	Style: Content focused on choreographed artistic movement Themes: Self-expression, cultural traditions, and technical mastery Content: Performances showcasing different dance styles and techniques
ember_subgenre_performing_arts_music_participation	Style: Interactive programs featuring amateur musical performance Themes: Popular music, audience engagement, self-expression Content: Karaoke shows, sing-along programs, amateur singing contests
ember_subgenre_performing_arts_musical	Style: Narratives featuring song, dance, and musical elements Themes: Storytelling through musical performance and expression Content: Stage or film productions blending music, dance, and acting
ember_subgenre_performing_arts_opera	Style: Dramatic musical performances featuring classical singing Themes: Grand epic narratives set to orchestral and vocal scores Content: Operatic productions showcasing arias and elaborate stagecraft
ember_subgenre_performing_arts_theater	Style: Live stage-based dramatic and comedic performances Themes: Exploration of the human condition, social issues, and stories Content: Theatrical productions ranging from plays to improv
ember_genre_regional	Style: Content focused on a specific geographic area Themes: Local, national, or global perspectives on news culture and issues Content: Programming tailored to audiences within a particular region
ember_subgenre_regional_local	Style: Content primarily concerned with local matters Themes: Community-level events, issues, and interests Content: Localized versions of various genre programming
ember_subgenre_regional_national	Style: Content primarily concerned with national matters Themes: Issues, policies, and events at the country level Content: Nationally-oriented versions of different genre programming
ember_subgenre_regional_world	Style: Content primarily concerned with global matters Themes: International news, cultures, and worldwide perspectives Content: Programming with a global focus across genres
ember_genre_romance	Style: Narratives centered around romantic relationships and love stories Themes: Attraction, courtship, and the emotional dynamics of intimacy Content: Fictional tales exploring the complexities of romantic connections
ember_genre_science_fiction	Style: Fictional titles incorporating fantastical, supernatural elements, or futuristic scientific or technological elements Themes: Magic, the otherworldly, imaginative worlds, exploration of potential future scenarios, advanced technology, space exploration, alternate realities, and the impact of scientific advancements on society and individuals Content: Stories set in fantastical realms with mythical creatures and powers, or in imagined futures or alternate presents/pasts, often featuring advanced technology, alien life, time travel, artificial intelligence, or other scientifically-oriented concepts
ember_genre_special_format	Style: Films distinguished by unique production approaches, lengths, or stylistic choices that set them apart from mainstream commercial cinema Themes: Varied and often experimental, pushing boundaries in storytelling, visual style, or cinematic techniques Content: Diverse narratives or non-narrative works that may challenge conventional filmmaking norms, often focusing on artistic expression over commercial appeal
ember_subgenre_special_format_audio	Style: Audio-only programming like radio stations Themes: Varied depending on the actual genre/content Content: Purely auditory presentations
ember_subgenre_special_format_anthology	Style: Collection of short films or segments connected by a common theme or framing device Themes: Varied explorations of a central concept or diverse storytelling within a unified framework Content: Collection of distinct stories or episodes, often unrelated, within a single program. Varies in theme, characters, and settings. May share common genre or concept
ember_subgenre_special_format_arthouse	Style: Films that prioritize artistic vision experimental techniques and unconventional storytelling approaches Themes: Exploration of complex philosophical existential or social concepts through innovative cinematic expression Content: Unconventional narratives featuring distinctive visual styles often addressing challenging subjects or employing symbolic elements
ember_subgenre_special_format_epg	Style: Digital, grid-based interface organizing TV schedules by channel and time. Interactive, scrollable format with real-time updates and multi-day views Themes: Focuses on information accessibility, program discovery, and viewer convenience. Aids time management and entertainment planning through content categorization Content: Lists TV shows, times, channels, and descriptions. Includes ratings, genre classifications, and search options. May feature program highlights and recordings
ember_subgenre_special_format_experimental	Style: Non-conventional filmmaking challenging traditional narrative structures, emphasizing visual or auditory experiences Themes: Abstract concepts, subconscious experiences, artistic expression Content: Often non-narrative, featuring unconventional visuals, sound design, and editing techniques
ember_subgenre_special_format_independent	Style: Films produced outside major studios, with lower budgets and greater creative control Themes: Niche, controversial, or personal topics often overlooked by mainstream cinema Content: Diverse narratives characterized by unique voices and unconventional storytelling
ember_subgenre_special_format_miniseries	Style: Limited episodes, self-contained arc, high production values, cinematic approach, event programming Themes: Historical events, literary adaptations, biographies, contemporary issues, complex narratives Content: Character-driven, in-depth storytelling, genre-flexible, often based on true stories/novels, star-studded casts
ember_subgenre_special_format_short_film	Style: Concise storytelling within a limited runtime, typically under 40 minutes Themes: Focused exploration of singular ideas, moments, or emotions Content: Diverse narratives or experimental pieces spanning any genre
ember_subgenre_special_format_student_film	Style: Works created by film students, showcasing developing skills and techniques Themes: Young filmmakers' perspectives on personal experiences, social issues, or abstract concepts Content: Wide-ranging narratives or experimental pieces demonstrating specific filmmaking techniques
ember_genre_special_interest	Style: Content focused on niche topics hobbies and specialized subjects Themes: In-depth exploration of specific areas of interest or expertise Content: Informative and educational programming on a variety of specialized subjects
ember_subgenre_special_interest_agriculture	Style: Content related to farming crops livestock and rural life Themes: Food production sustainability and the agricultural industry Content: Documentaries instructional programs and news on agricultural topics
ember_subgenre_special_interest_animals	Style: Content featuring non-human creatures and their habitats Themes: Wildlife animal behavior conservation and the natural world Content: Informative programs about different animal species and environments
ember_subgenre_special_interest_arts_crafts	Style: Content focused on creative hobbies and DIY projects Themes: Self-expression, skill development, and artistic pursuits Content: Instructional programs and demonstrations of various arts and crafts
ember_subgenre_special_interest_faith_spirituality	Style: Content exploring religious beliefs practices and spiritual traditions Themes: Meaning, purpose, morality, and the search for the divine Content: Doctrinal teachings, rituals, personal journeys, and theological discussions
ember_subgenre_special_interest_how_to	Style: Instructional and demonstrative programs covering a wide range of skills and activities Themes: Self-improvement, skill acquisition, problem-solving Content: Shows offering step-by-step guides, expert demonstrations, and practical advice on various topics such as cooking, crafting, auto repair, technology use, personal finance, and more
ember_subgenre_special_interest_law_justice	Style: Informative programs focused on legal systems and issues Themes: Legal processes, justice, societal impact of laws Content: Shows about the legal system, landmark court cases, legal education, criminal justice reform, and current legal affairs
ember_subgenre_special_interest_lgbtq	Style: Content focused on LGBTQ+ experiences identities and issues Themes: Exploration of gender identity, sexual orientation, queer culture, and related social topics Content: Narratives documentaries and other programming centered around LGBTQ+ characters stories and perspectives
ember_subgenre_special_interest_pets	Style: Informative and entertaining programs focused on animal companions Themes: Pet care, animal behavior, human-animal bonds Content: Shows about pet ownership, training tips, veterinary advice, breed showcases, and heartwarming stories about pets and their owners
ember_genre_sports_programming	Style: Content focused on athletic competitions, events, and related coverage Themes: Physical skill, competition, sportsmanship, and the thrill of victory Content: Live games highlights analysis and commentary on various sports
ember_subgenre_sports_programming_animal	Style: Live or recorded events featuring animals. Commentary-driven coverage with replays, analysis, interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage of animal care Themes: Human-animal partnerships, athletic prowess, competition, breeding excellence, training techniques. Explores bonds between humans and animals in competitive settings Content: Horse racing, equestrian events, rodeo, dog sports, camel racing. May include controversial events like bullfighting, with ethical discussions
ember_subgenre_sports_programming_esports	Style: Organized competitive video gaming events Themes: Professional-level skill teamwork and spectatorship in gaming Content: Tournaments and broadcasts of elite-level electronic sports
ember_subgenre_sports_programming_mind_strategy	Style: Sports and games requiring intellectual, strategic, or tactical abilities Themes: Problem-solving decision-making and the application of mental prowess Content: Competitions involving chess, go, e-sports, and other mind-based sports
ember_subgenre_sports_programming_multisport_event	Style: Multiple sports, various competition formats Themes: International competition, athletic excellence, national pride Content: Individual and team sports, medal ceremonies, opening/closing ceremonies
ember_subgenre_sports_programming_tournament	Style: Single-sport playoff events that determine a champion Themes: Elimination-based brackets and the crowning of a titleholder Content: Coverage of single-sport championships like the FIFA World Cup
ember_subgenre_sports_programming_vehicle	Style: Sports and events involving the operation of vehicles Themes: Mastery of vehicle control speed and precision Content: Races, rallies, and other vehicular competitions
ember_genre_thriller	Style: Suspenseful tension-filled fictional narratives Themes: Danger, mystery, and the pursuit of the truth Content: Stories that keep audiences on the edge of their seats
ember_genre_war	Style: Action-based narratives set during wartime Themes: Conflict, combat, patriotism, and the human toll of war Content: Stories about military operations battles and their aftermath
ember_genre_western	Style: Fictional narratives set in the American Old West Themes: Rugged individualism, frontier life, and the mythic West Content: Stories about cowboys outlaws and the settlement of the West

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Last updated: May 27, 2026