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re: How long should a TV Show Run
Posted on 3/19/13 at 11:36 am to SlowFlowPro
Posted on 3/19/13 at 11:36 am to SlowFlowPro
quote:
2-4 is adequate for almost every show
I may be able to see 4 but could not see 2. Atleast not on a good show. I think it would feel way too rushed.
I think a big problem is most shows are written a season at a time. So there is no real end in mind. I do not know if it is possible but writing the show start to finish seems like a good way to keep it from going down hill in later seasons.
3
Posted on 3/19/13 at 11:39 am to TigersRuleTheEarth
quote:
Honestly, BB could have stopped at season 4 and I would have considered it a complete story.
I agree. It could have ended with "I won!" Yet I'm glad we get to see Walt's ulimate demise.
Posted on 3/19/13 at 11:40 am to BaddestAndvari
quote:
with Fox and NBC bleeding viewership right now, I wish one of them would take this idea for a test drive on network television.
Fox did try....with the Following.
Posted on 3/19/13 at 11:42 am to CAGator
As much as I hate it for my favorite shows to have less seasons, sometimes it is better that way. I have a hard time quitting a show if I've been watching it for a few seasons. It sucks to have to sit through those last terrible seasons just to see how it ends. Or to see a show you use to really enjoy just turn to garbage
This post was edited on 3/19/13 at 11:44 am
Posted on 3/19/13 at 11:43 am to CAGator
quote:
I think a big problem is most shows are written a season at a time. So there is no real end in mind. I do not know if it is possible but writing the show start to finish seems like a good way to keep it from going down hill in later seasons.
This is kind of where I'm going with the 100 episodes thing. And it doesn't have to be 100. Whatever the commitment is, 32, 48, whatever. If someone is allowed to plot that out in advance (rough sketch obviously), it can make for tighter story telling.
Posted on 3/19/13 at 11:51 am to YankeeDoodle
quote:
As much as I hate it for my favorite shows to have less seasons, sometimes it is better that way. I have a hard time quitting a show if I've been watching it for a few seasons. It sucks to have to sit through those last terrible seasons just to see how it ends. Or to see a show you use to really enjoy just turn to garbage
The Office is a great example. Has not been good in a while, but I have time vested so I need to see how it ends.
That being said I have not seen an episode yet this season. I do have them all downloaded and will watch at some point. That just goes to show that a once must see for me is now just Meh I will get around to it.
Posted on 3/19/13 at 11:51 am to CAGator
quote:
I may be able to see 4 but could not see 2. Atleast not on a good show. I think it would feel way too rushed.
that depends
the office only needed 2 seasons to tell its story
Posted on 3/19/13 at 11:52 am to CAGator
I have no limit as long as I like the cast and show. It could run 30 years if it was enjoyable.
Posted on 3/19/13 at 11:54 am to Napoleon
The Following - forever
The episode threads have made this show for me.
The episode threads have made this show for me.
Posted on 3/19/13 at 11:57 am to Murray
quote:
the office only needed 2 seasons to tell its story
I disagree. I think The Office's biggest mistake was not developing more of the characters on the show. They only really had 2 plots going. Jim\Pam story which had to play out at some point ( or it would become like Whos the boss and nobody would care by the time it was done), and Michael Scott. They never dug into anyone else really. So once Jim\Pam was done and Carell left the show they have no where else to go and it took a nose dive.
Posted on 3/19/13 at 12:00 pm to ProjectP2294
I think the length of the show depends on the material. If you can keep cranking out quality (key word) material, then go as long as you want. But if you're just milking things to stay on the air, then end it.
I agre that:
I wish networks would plan shows here and there that have a planned beginning and end. For example, instead of making a pilot or ordering a short season (say, 8 episodes to keep with the example), order two seasons and have the writers carefully plan out an encompassing plot within that time frame. Shoot it, air it, and move onto the next thing.
I understand that can't always work, and networks won't do it, but it would be nice. I mean shite, even if the ratings are low, just pull it off the air and send it to DVD/streaming and let the fans of the show finish it out in other formats. And it doesn't even have to be two seasons since that may be a lot (and expensive). Just carefully create one-season shows...something that has a start, middle, and end and wraps everything up nicely.
Something like The River or Harper's Island. I really liked both of those. I know they weren't too popular, but it was cool to start a show knowing it was basically a long mini-series of sorts and knowing that I would get an end to the story. It sucks so much trying to get into a new show because it could be cancelled at any moment by scared, tepid network execs.
I agre that:
quote:
The way shows are ordered needs to change. Don't give a show an 8 episode order to start the year and then tack on another 10 epsidoes when you find out people like it. You almost assure yourself of unever writing and weird storyline breaks. 12-16 episodes of a serial per season can be plenty to tell a tight, entertaining, engrossing story.
I wish networks would plan shows here and there that have a planned beginning and end. For example, instead of making a pilot or ordering a short season (say, 8 episodes to keep with the example), order two seasons and have the writers carefully plan out an encompassing plot within that time frame. Shoot it, air it, and move onto the next thing.
I understand that can't always work, and networks won't do it, but it would be nice. I mean shite, even if the ratings are low, just pull it off the air and send it to DVD/streaming and let the fans of the show finish it out in other formats. And it doesn't even have to be two seasons since that may be a lot (and expensive). Just carefully create one-season shows...something that has a start, middle, and end and wraps everything up nicely.
Something like The River or Harper's Island. I really liked both of those. I know they weren't too popular, but it was cool to start a show knowing it was basically a long mini-series of sorts and knowing that I would get an end to the story. It sucks so much trying to get into a new show because it could be cancelled at any moment by scared, tepid network execs.
Posted on 3/19/13 at 12:01 pm to Murray
It depends. I think having a definite endpoint really picked up the quality in Lost, and that went 6 seasons. The Wire is damn near perfect at 5 seasons. Parks and Rec, which is probably my favorite show, is out of narrative steam and its season 4 or 5 I think.
but I think a show like Cheers could have gone on indefinitely. And while people rip on The Simpsons for not ending, has the quality really dipped in the past 10 seasons? I admit it reached its zenith already, but once it plateaued after, say, Season 8, its been on a pretty solid level of consistent quality. Does SNL need to be cancelled? I don't think it does.
But I do think dramas really need to wrap it up in 6 seasons. I think your best season will usually be S3, but I'll give you wide latitude to take your bows in a sixth season, even if the quality dips.
but I think a show like Cheers could have gone on indefinitely. And while people rip on The Simpsons for not ending, has the quality really dipped in the past 10 seasons? I admit it reached its zenith already, but once it plateaued after, say, Season 8, its been on a pretty solid level of consistent quality. Does SNL need to be cancelled? I don't think it does.
But I do think dramas really need to wrap it up in 6 seasons. I think your best season will usually be S3, but I'll give you wide latitude to take your bows in a sixth season, even if the quality dips.
Posted on 3/19/13 at 12:20 pm to BaddestAndvari
quote:
with Fox and NBC bleeding viewership right now, I wish one of them would take this idea for a test drive on network television.
Yeah, give me a well crafted show that I know isn't going to get cancelled, and give people late to the party an easy way to catch up online.
Posted on 3/19/13 at 12:25 pm to ProjectP2294
quote:
Fox did try....with the Following.
Only because Bacon refuses to do any more episodes than that
Can you imagine a longer version of that shite show?
Posted on 3/19/13 at 12:30 pm to wildtigercat93
quote:
Only because Bacon refuses to do any more episodes than that
Good move on his part. The thing is, they had good actors, an okay writer, good premise, and good format. They completely shite the bed on execution.
Posted on 3/19/13 at 12:32 pm to CAGator
quote:
The Office is a great example. Has not been good in a while, but I have time vested so I need to see how it ends. That being said I have not seen an episode yet this season. I do have them all downloaded and will watch at some point. That just goes to show that a once must see for me is now just Meh I will get around to it.
The Office has been very good this season. Definitely rebounded pretty well from last season (which was still entertaining for me because I enjoy the show).
Posted on 3/19/13 at 12:34 pm to ProjectP2294
quote:
an okay writer
Well, that doesnt seem likely based on that show.
Posted on 3/19/13 at 12:35 pm to ProjectP2294
I think it depends on the story. Especially if its based off other source material. Original shows probably 4-5 seasons.
Stuff based off source material like Walking Dead or Game of Thrones should always catch up in my opinion because there is still story to tell. Walking Dead to me is like Seinfeld is that there is no real plot, just people surviving in a zombie apocalypse. Whereas GoT has an ending that we should try to get too.
Stuff based off source material like Walking Dead or Game of Thrones should always catch up in my opinion because there is still story to tell. Walking Dead to me is like Seinfeld is that there is no real plot, just people surviving in a zombie apocalypse. Whereas GoT has an ending that we should try to get too.
Posted on 3/19/13 at 12:37 pm to wildtigercat93
quote:
Well, that doesnt seem likely based on that show.
I'm not going to lay out a defense for Kevin Williamson, but people like his past work (even if I'm not one of them). But like I said, they screwed up the execution of the idea.
And yeah, that falls heavily on the writer.
Posted on 3/19/13 at 12:49 pm to WalkingTurtles
also depends on the (successful) introduction of new characters. If you can develop the plot line and keep it interesting, no need to put a completeion date on it. But if the subject matter is stagnant and new characters dont make it any more interesting (think L&O SVU, deadliest Catch) than shite can the series after 5-6 seasons.
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