i forgot about house. you're right, that show is also extremely formulaic. probably not as much as law and order, since they don't really get into anyone's personal lives (or not in the original at least, i frickin hate that SVU).

but yeah, house. someone keels over, opening credits, first doctor meeting, search the house, give some kind of treatment, horrible new symptom emerges, diagnosis is changed, patient is told of new diagnosis and is upset/happy, repeat from first treatment until person is cured or dies.

but there are too many other repetitive but not constant elements. sometimes some patient or family member gets all irritated with house's insensitivity. sometimes house "connects with a patient". sometimes cuddy has to settle a dispute.

you know i was watching law and order today and IT DID NOT START WITH A BODY. this is really going to screw up my diagram.