Why do we use the word "In" for seeing an actor "in" a film, but with tv we see an actor "On" Television?

Leif Serabia: A movie is the art form, the TV is the medium.Conversely, a TV show would be considered as art form and the movie screen is a medium.Someone may be in a movie or a show (though we do often say "on" a TV show); they may be on TV or on the screen....Show more

Russell Mckinzie: i guess because with film you notice the actor "within" the story and you hope to get lost in the story when you go to a movie theater. At home in front of the tv, you're looking at a smaller screen that you control and you're much more aware of it and the things "on" it. Hope I helped =)

Damion Oleksa: You have to add this: We say an actor is in a TV series or a movie. We say they are on TV and on the movie screen. So, both terms are used for both of them. So, there shouldn't be any confusion.We watch an actor IN a movie ON the "silver screen".We watch an actor IN a movie/TV series ON television....Show more

Jeannetta Gaffigan: You use in when you are talking about thi! ngs that aren't ongoing. An example: Martin Sheen is in The West Wing, Martin Sheen is in Apocalypse Now. Television has the element of being live so things are on, the same as when they are on stage. You can see Martin Sheen on the West Wing at 8:00 is an ongoing statement. Take talk shows for example, they go on indefinitely therefor always use on. Jon Stewart is on the Daily Show, Conan O'Brien is on the Tonight Show (Oops, bad example) That is my best guess anyway, its not a tangible thing it is just the least awkward way to process it....Show more

Antwan Schrum: they participated in a film? and you can see them somewhere like On tv..or On the news..