“Reading” with Online Audiences: Social Class Depictions in Christopher Papakaliatis’ Television Shows (2003–2010)

Ever since his emergence as an actor in the 1990s—and notably since his involvement in various roles within the production side of the media spectrum in the 2000s onwards—Christopher Papakaliatis has established himself as a prominent figure in the Greek screen industry. His distinctive stylistic and thematic choices have garnered recognition, sparking extensive discussions, although not always positive ones. This chapter delves into an overlooked topic: the representation and reception of social class in Papakaliatis’ TV drama shows Close Your Eyes (MEGA 2003–2004), Two Days Only (MEGA 2005–2007), and 4 (MEGA 2009–2010). By scrutinizing comments on YouTube videos featuring Papakaliatis’ shows and fan posts on Twitter, this study aims to uncover how online audiences engage with and interpret his work. Combining close readings with netnographic elements, this study seeks to bridge the gap between academic writing and audience/fan perspectives, advancing the dialogue on class representation and its reception in Greek television research.