Final answer:
The extremely overdramatic and serious type of drama is called melodrama, characterized by exaggerated emotions and sensational events to evoke a strong audience response.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of drama that is described as serious and extremely overdramatic is melodrama. Unlike comedy, which features a light tone and humor, or tragedy, which presents a protagonist's downfall due to a tragic flaw and carries a heavy emotional weight, melodrama focuses on sensational events and expresses characters' emotions in an exaggerated manner. The over-the-top nature of melodrama is designed to appeal strongly to the emotions of the audience. It typically features clear distinctions between good and evil characters, dramatic conflicts, and an emphasis on moralistic outcomes.