discussion I miss the 22 episode format for TV shows too many shows feel like a long movie

[XAMJ]

Law and Order SVU remains superiors 24 seasons later

[Khal]

1 hour ago, fridayteenage said:

So you agree, Fox still has long seasons for their successful dramas.

 

For more genre-y fox dramas that were semi recent, Lucifer ended with a 26 episode season on Fox, Gotham mostly had 22 episode seasons.

Well, I never argued shows in that format couldn't be successful, and I did say that format works for procedurals, which a lot of shows on Fox are.  

 

I only said most of the time, 22 episodes (for shows that have a central, overreaching plot) aren't needed as there tends to be a lot of filler. That Fox has successful shows with 22 eps, doesn't change that. 

Edited June 20, 2022 by Khal

[UnusualBoy]

I feel like 22 episodes is way too much but these shows with 6-8 episodes feel so rushed like why don't make it to 10 at the very least? :rip: 

[CloseTheWhoHa]

Hell no. Way too much filler with 22 episodes. Immediately makes me think about all the filler episodes in Revenge, Vampire Diaries, Etc.

[Gui Blackout]

Nope. 8 to 10 episodes is perfect for a good season, especially for dramas. It's more focused, it raises the stakes for each episode, overall it's just better for storytelling.

 

These network seasons with 20+ episodes always feel a bit unfocused, there's always filler episodes, you can see the writers trying hard to come up with stuff to fill the plots.

Edited June 20, 2022 by Gui Blackout

[Mr.Marvelous]

4 hours ago, fridayteenage said:

So you agree, Fox still has long seasons for their successful dramas.

 

For more genre-y fox dramas that were semi recent, Lucifer ended with a 26 episode season on Fox, Gotham mostly had 22 episode seasons.

these shows were literally cancelled because of low viewership

Lucifer got better again when they switched to 10 episodes after being acquired by Netflix.

[ellis-bell]

Completely agree. Tv these days is not as good at building worlds and characters that you want to return to again and again and I’m certain that having less episodes is a key reason because what people call “filler” was actually slow and purposeful development. Shorter seasons means shows have to be more plot focused rather than character focused.

[POPTART]

I agree and disagree at the same time. 

 

I liked the fact that those cable shows used to run all winter/autumn so we had something to watch on a weekly basis (and discuss the episode for a week). 

 

However, 20+ episodes is what destroyed most shows. I just started rewatching PLL and first 2 seasons were fine, then it starts going out and there's too many filler episodes. That's the case with most shows like that. 

 

But, I do think this new trend of 8ep is a bit annoying sometimes. Especially with having to wait a year if not more than that (Stranger Things) for a new season. 

[ronelmaano13]

10-13 episodes should be the norm for shows especially for comedies. 8 22-minute episodes ain't it. 

[EriKills]

Yes!! Recently rewatched Desperate Housewives, it was glorious having SO many episodes to watch. I also watched Ugly Betty for first time, and even tho it was cancelled a bit prematurely due to low ratings, it’s 4 seasons had 85 episodes total which would be considered at LEAST 5+ seasons by todays standards, not bad for a flop   

 

I think 12-16ep season, with 1-2 episodes released weekly is my sweet spot tho. Gives fans room to breathe in between episodes, for discussion and more engagement. 
 

the worst is getting an 8 episode season all at once that you finish in a few days and have to wait 1year+ for a new season   Black Mirror, Stranger Things, Orange Is The New Black (even tho it had 13 ep seasons) , the wait in between seasons always feels like FOREVER. 

[thatsmydemi]

10-13 episodes per season >

 

 

 

[Rihbeyga]

The current British method works better. 
mid only American shows also stick to one writer and less use of writing camps to create these disjointed tv shows. 

[Josh]

15 minutes ago, Rihbeyga said:

The current British method works better. 
mid only American shows also stick to one writer and less use of writing camps to create these disjointed tv shows. 

The British method isn't a method for art reasons it's a financial reasons. 

[Harmonizer]

I miss it, too. I find that seasons don't come out on a regular schedule anymore, and you can wait 1+ years for the following season. Then I find myself forgetting what happened in the previous season because you binge it so quickly. Also if you miss the "hype" of watching the show, you have no one to talk about it with.

[paddii_]

On 6/20/2022 at 10:41 PM, CloseTheWhoHa said:

Hell no. Way too much filler with 22 episodes. Immediately makes me think about all the filler episodes in Revenge, Vampire Diaries, Etc.

THIS 

 

22 episodes only works for sitcoms but not for dramas. Maybe for case of the week shows as well but other than that. PLL, Revenge, Gossip Girl, all these shows got dragged out for entire long ass seasons and with absolut lackluster results of plot turns and twists. All that only to get those syndication deals. Thank god that’s mostly over! 

[Marco_g2]

It has pros and cons

 

I agree tho there has to be more lighter stuff like those old TV shows.