ABSTRACT
This study investigates the nature and effectiveness of drama (Television drama) as a tool for

communicating development. The study argues that beyond entertainment, drama has a

revolutionary impulse to engender social development. The theoretical framework for this

research is hinged on the â€-Social Development Theory of Biliance (1997) Amartya Sen (1995)

and Tamilnadu (2000) which views Social Development as the promotion of human wellbeing.

The study adoptsa qualitative research approach as a method of data collection. Some of the key

findings of the research indicate that Superstory drama is done in English Language and Yoruba

language, and this limits the viewership of Nigerians who do not understand English and Yoruba,

thereby narrowing their knowledge on the social development issues treated in the serial.In this

study, some social development issues or problems were identified to be treated by â€-Superstory'

which are typical crises confronting the contemporary Nigerian society. The drama under study

demonstrates these crises and presents a way out. Some of the social development issues

captured in the drama border on corruption, betrayal, poverty and education. This study therefore

suggests that efforts should be intensified to research the society for concrete stories that stress

positive social development. Principles of participation and co-design between producers and the

audience should be adopted in story derivation and scripting for Superstoryand other serials

rather than strong reliance on fictional non-participatory scripts. Superstory should provide

concrete effective feedback mechanisms for the audience to talk back or air their views on issues

raised in the production. Phone-in strategies,opinion polls and e-mail approach could be

deployed as feedback mechanisms to get the views of audience in an interactive manner.