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re: How long should a TV Show Run
Posted on 3/19/13 at 1:09 pm to CAGator
Posted on 3/19/13 at 1:09 pm to CAGator
quote:
The Office is a great example.
This is actually one of the shows I had in mind when I posted that. I was very invested in seasons 1-4 but now just watch it whenever I get around to it on my DVR. It's enjoyable sometimes but I just dont care about any of the storylines going on right now and a lot of the characters are becoming less likeable as they get more lines
Posted on 3/19/13 at 1:26 pm to CAGator
Upper echelon sitcoms seem to run about 8-10 years. Your average every day comedy sitcom can last a good 4-5 years.
It the drama, series type shows that seem to sink or swim early.
It the drama, series type shows that seem to sink or swim early.
Posted on 3/19/13 at 1:50 pm to CAGator
I always thought 5-7 seasons is good
ER - 15 Seasons....way too long, they probably should have stopped at 8 or 9
West Wing - 7 Seasons - Good show length...started falling off the last couple seasons, but the show never seemed tired and played out like ER.
ER - 15 Seasons....way too long, they probably should have stopped at 8 or 9
West Wing - 7 Seasons - Good show length...started falling off the last couple seasons, but the show never seemed tired and played out like ER.
Posted on 3/19/13 at 1:50 pm to CAGator
People have said it depends on the plot, but sometimes it seems like it should have never been a TV show in the first place.
Everyone remembers the crap that was Flash Forward. It might have been better as a movie.
Everyone remembers the crap that was Flash Forward. It might have been better as a movie.
Posted on 3/19/13 at 2:11 pm to CAGator
I like the 5 season max, plot driven, series. The Walking Dead is starting to test my patience
Posted on 3/19/13 at 2:16 pm to CAGator
I think the answer is different for different kinds of shows.
For example, the Sopranos could have probably ended with season 5 or season 6a. But a comedy or animated show could go longer or short. Like the Simpsons had 10 seasons that were great (debatable, but seasons 11-2X have been painful to watch). South Park seems to have actually gotten funnier over time, the first 5 or 6 seasons were ok but we know the golden seasons were 7 and on.
For example, the Sopranos could have probably ended with season 5 or season 6a. But a comedy or animated show could go longer or short. Like the Simpsons had 10 seasons that were great (debatable, but seasons 11-2X have been painful to watch). South Park seems to have actually gotten funnier over time, the first 5 or 6 seasons were ok but we know the golden seasons were 7 and on.
Posted on 3/19/13 at 2:30 pm to ArtooDetoo
For dramatic shows I think 5 or 6 is the sweet spot. That gives plenty of time for characters to grow and for there to be resolution of a few overarching storylines w/o running out of ideas. LOST, Sopranos, X-Files (which went about three seasons too long) are good examples.
For a comedy there is more room. Since it isn't a drama, they don't need to "up" the intensity every season. Seinfeld went nine seasons and stayed pretty strong. Cheers was 11 seasons, plus another 11 for Frasier. I would say eight or so good seasons is pretty doable. The only exception would be if the sitcom includes kids or some kind of "coming of age" angle, then that puts a limit on the timeline.
For a comedy there is more room. Since it isn't a drama, they don't need to "up" the intensity every season. Seinfeld went nine seasons and stayed pretty strong. Cheers was 11 seasons, plus another 11 for Frasier. I would say eight or so good seasons is pretty doable. The only exception would be if the sitcom includes kids or some kind of "coming of age" angle, then that puts a limit on the timeline.
Posted on 3/19/13 at 6:09 pm to tigerinthebueche
The introduction of new characters is a real delicate thing especially in later seasons. It's gonna be interesting to see how GoT does it, it may end up
Being the reason the show continues or ends short.
I have liked how Sons of Anarchy has done introducing newer characters kept the showing interesting. Only knock on them is they let storylines go on too long.
Being the reason the show continues or ends short.
I have liked how Sons of Anarchy has done introducing newer characters kept the showing interesting. Only knock on them is they let storylines go on too long.
Posted on 3/19/13 at 6:51 pm to ProjectP2294
I say for plot shows 6 is the limit with 12 to 16 episodes per season. This is why I can't get into 24, too many damn episodes
Posted on 3/19/13 at 7:03 pm to CAGator
Four or five seasons. It seems like all of the good shows that are around for a while peak at season four or five before going downhill. Also, an overwhelming majority of the shows that never wavered in quality for their entire run lasted six seasons at the most. Shows like The Wire, Breaking Bad, Sopranos, Arrested Development, Deadwood, and The Office (UK version) all finished their run in six seasons or less.
Posted on 3/20/13 at 10:49 am to ProjectP2294
quote:
Fox did try....with the Following.
So the following will be only one season? I really like this show but still hope it is the case
My worry is they will do like Jailbreak where it was only supposed to be a certain number of episodes and it ended up lasting seasons
Posted on 3/20/13 at 11:07 pm to BACONisMEATcandy
Depends on the show. I would say no more than 100 episodes unless its a show like SVU that has a unlimited source of material
Posted on 3/22/13 at 3:30 am to BACONisMEATcandy
Fox... Where great shows get canceled halfway through the first season.
Posted on 3/22/13 at 4:03 am to BaddestAndvari
Sitcoms can potentially run forever, and I'm okay with that. As long as the jokes stay fresh, perfect.
When you start talking about highly story-driven shows, 2-6 seasons is the sweet spot. I recognize that's huge. It depends on the episode count of each season in question. I feel like 60-100 episodes is a better range, it just depends on the pacing of the show. You should never deliberately slow down the pacing to milk more. Some shows can continue to deliver beyond that, but those are shows that have intentionally ambiguous overarching plotlines that can result in smaller but still consequential stories that contribute to the grand story as a whole.
When you start talking about highly story-driven shows, 2-6 seasons is the sweet spot. I recognize that's huge. It depends on the episode count of each season in question. I feel like 60-100 episodes is a better range, it just depends on the pacing of the show. You should never deliberately slow down the pacing to milk more. Some shows can continue to deliver beyond that, but those are shows that have intentionally ambiguous overarching plotlines that can result in smaller but still consequential stories that contribute to the grand story as a whole.
Posted on 3/22/13 at 4:12 am to CAGator
2 part answer; a show could do everything they need to in about 5 seasons.
How many do I want? Depends on the show but I'm fricking selfish
Give me more. I hate that BB is ending. I hate that The Sopranos and The Wire ended. I'm still pissed the arse fricks at HBO screwed over Deadwood after 3 glorious seasons.
I didn't think House needed to go either, but at least it was 8 seasons. Mad Men looks to have at least a couple more and I'm happy.
If it's a good show, let it continue. Better than rolling the dice with the crap put out more often than not.
eta: I will say this and definitely not to pick on Fringe, but I think it had run it's course and ended maybe even a season late. Still dug it though.
How many do I want? Depends on the show but I'm fricking selfish
Give me more. I hate that BB is ending. I hate that The Sopranos and The Wire ended. I'm still pissed the arse fricks at HBO screwed over Deadwood after 3 glorious seasons.
I didn't think House needed to go either, but at least it was 8 seasons. Mad Men looks to have at least a couple more and I'm happy.
If it's a good show, let it continue. Better than rolling the dice with the crap put out more often than not.
eta: I will say this and definitely not to pick on Fringe, but I think it had run it's course and ended maybe even a season late. Still dug it though.
This post was edited on 3/22/13 at 4:14 am
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