Length of a series

[DJ Doena]

It is a bit ironic in my opinion.

Series seem to be either to short or too long, they rarely have a length that seems just right. There are quite a lot of shows that could have lasted longer (Veronica Mars springs to mind).

But I also often watch the last season of a show and can understand why it had been cancelled.

But I assume if it weren't for that last year one would be on the side of "why didn't it run longer" - so it seems to be a lose-lose situation for the show.


Why am I telling you this, don't know, just made an observation.

[goodguy]

It's the nature of the format. If something is really brilliant but nobody except for a few fans gets it, it will be cancelled. If something starts out quite good and has a sound viewer base, it will be continued until everybody gets tired of it. There is rarely any artistic choice involved, at least on network TV.

[Jimmy]

It's the nature of the format. If something is really brilliant but nobody except for a few fans gets it, it will be cancelled.

It's not always the case. By exemple The X-Files was not a successfull serie at first, but the network gave it a chance. But it's more an exception to the rules, since usually the network pull the plug really fast. At least in the States, here the networks are more patient but one of our network begins to do that too (but since it's TVA I don't really care ).

[Najemikon]

In the UK, a series still averages around 6-8 episodes, rarely getting into double-figures. Years ago an entire series could go by with barely anyone watching, but the channel would commission a second series on merit (usually the BBC, because that's an advantage of a broadcaster subsidised by the public). I think that happened to Fawlty Towers, which is now widely considered the gold standard of sitcoms. All 12 episodes. Barely half a season for the US.

[addicted2dvd]

Reading this thread only one thing popped into mind... It is time to put an end to Smallville already! He should have been Superman by now! 

[Jimmy]

Or The Simpson. The last good episode was maybe 5 years ago

[addicted2dvd]

I tend to forget The Simpsons is even still on! 

[goodguy]

In the UK, a series still averages around 6-8 episodes, rarely getting into double-figures.

Which reminds me of an interview with the Spooks creators. On one hand they were comparing themselves to 24, on the other hand they complained about the stress of moving from 6 episodes per season to 10 per season.