Why are seasons getting shorter?

[JesterFace]

For some this may be so obvious, why is he even asking but I really don't know.
Quick search offered many reasons, which one is it?

These days television series' seasons are shorter than they used to be.
Instead of about 25 episodes a season it's about half of that?

 

[auntiehill]

Because it's cheaper. Television is a business, after all. If they can make a successful series with 16 episodes instead 23, they'll do it.

 

[Nerys Myk]

Season are an outmoded concept like broadcast and Prime Time.

 

[The Wormhole]

Change of priorities. Back in the day, the priority was to get as many episodes as needed for a syndication package, 50 minimum, 100 preferred. These days, streaming is the priority and many prefer to binge watch a season. Fewer episodes makes bingeing a season more palatable.

 

[Owain Taggart]

Not only is it cheaper, but it's an easier sell and a heck of a lot less commitment, on behalf of the production crew and involved actors. You tend to see a lot of shorter productions that have landed big name actors as a result. They can film it, move on to other projects, and return if it gets renewed, but they're not as tied down as they would have been in the past.

 

[Aragorn]

The 22+ episode seasons seem to be down to network TV comedies and procedurals now.

 

[Ar-Pharazon]

The Beverly Hillbillies went from 36 down to 24 episodes per season during it's 9 year run. It's season premiere was roughly the same date each year, so I wonder how they handled reruns (if they did).

I was mostly used to 24-26 episode seasons during the 70's, 80's and 90's. I miss that in a lot of shows, when they could spend a lot of time really developing characters, or at least putting out character driven episodes in addition to the more plot driven ones.

 

[JirinPanthosa]

A lot of it is because so many HBO shows and other prestige shows got so much buzz for having 10-13 episode seasons. Then everyone else decided it was okay.

 

[Mr. Adventure]

The Beverly Hillbillies went from 36 down to 24 episodes per season during it's 9 year run. It's season premiere was roughly the same date each year, so I wonder how they handled reruns (if they did).

I was mostly used to 24-26 episode seasons during the 70's, 80's and 90's. I miss that in a lot of shows, when they could spend a lot of time really developing characters, or at least putting out character driven episodes in addition to the more plot driven ones.

Not so many channels back then though. There's so much out there now I can't really keep up with it all so I don't mind less episodes as it opens up more slots. If I'm tempted to check out an older series I've missed and I see 7 seasons of 22 episodes I just groan now.

 

[Ar-Pharazon]

Not so many channels back then though. There's so much out there now I can't really keep up with it all so I don't mind less episodes as it opens up more slots. If I'm tempted to check out an older series I've missed and I see 7 seasons of 22 episodes I just groan now.

I just finished Stargate Atlantis right after SG-1. It went quicker than I would've thought beforehand, but they were good shows with good cast chemistry. I'm not quite as confident about 2 seasons of SGU.

Of course it depends on whether it's a half hour or full hour show as to how many you can watch in a day.

 

[gweeps]

Probably a money saving option. Everything is getting more expensive. Also, people really like the limited series/anthology format. 8-10 episode seaons, regardless of whether it's a one-off or not.

To be honest, I look at some of those old shows with 22-26 (or more) episodes and don't know if I could start from scratch if I had to. Easier to follow from week to week. Of course now we've got shows that drop their seasons on a single day. Binge, baby, binge.

 

[JesterFace]

Well, it's better that my favourite series came out when there were more episodes in one season.

 

[Owain Taggart]

The 22+ episode seasons seem to be down to network TV comedies and procedurals now.

Even now, some network shows are starting to have shorter seasons. Schitt's Creek, to use as an example, has 13-14 episode seasons. I think networks are starting to see the value in shorter seasons. I mean, I've liked several shows in the past, only to find 7 or more seasons of 22 episodes, and it's like hitting a wall. I like the shows, but I don't like them that much! It's a big commitment getting into long shows, and it's not always for the best.

 

[Forbin]

1/2 hours shows like Gilligan's Island, Have Gun - Will Travel, McHale's Navy, would have something 36 or 39 eps to a season! Sigh. I recall when I found out Gilligan only had 3 seasons and I thought, but there are so many episodes!! :O

 

[JesterFace]

I mean, I've liked several shows in the past, only to find 7 or more seasons of 22 episodes, and it's like hitting a wall. I like the shows, but I don't like them that much! It's a big commitment getting into long shows, and it's not always for the best.

I must say I disagree, in some cases more is better.
Having more episodes of a good series is better than having less.
What if for example TNG had seven seasons and each season only, perhaps, 14 or so episodes.
Irritating thought. =)

 

[fireproof78]

Even now, some network shows are starting to have shorter seasons. Schitt's Creek, to use as an example, has 13-14 episode seasons. I think networks are starting to see the value in shorter seasons. I mean, I've liked several shows in the past, only to find 7 or more seasons of 22 episodes, and it's like hitting a wall. I like the shows, but I don't like them that much! It's a big commitment getting into long shows, and it's not always for the best.

Same here. It's funny because I will go through older shows, and realize there are a lot of episodes and I am not that invested by the 7th season. It's frustrating to try and sort through what I like and don't like and keep up.

Shorter seasons has become my preferred. It lets me watch it without inconveniencing others in the house, I don't feel like I am in scramble to keep up. If I feel the season was too short but I enjoyed it I count that as a win and an indication of a good season. Too often, longer seasons just wear out their welcome.

What if for example TNG had seven seasons and each season only, perhaps, 14 or so episodes.

I probably would have stuck with it.

 

[JesterFace]

I probably would have stuck with it.

To be completely honest....
While TNG is my alltime favourite series, even if it had seven seasons with 12 episodes a season and all those episodes were the very best ones, it would be enough.
I'm sorry to say that a lot of TNG episodes are not my thing but the best ones are simply the best.
Out of any series.

 

[marillion]

And here I was thinking we were going to be getting into a discussion about the environment until I realized what forum this was.

I agree that money is the the biggest issue. Long gone are the days of cheap, sound stage TV (to a certain extent). Good quality shows cost big bucks. And let's be honest, shorter seasons cuts down on the filler. Even really good shows have episodes that are/were filler content and bad writing. Frasier, one of my all time favorites, had a whole season that almost made me want to give up.

 

[Nerys Myk]

I must say I disagree, in some cases more is better.
Having more episodes of a good series is better than having less.
What if for example TNG had seven seasons and each season only, perhaps, 14 or so episodes.
Irritating thought. =)

There is some dross that could be cut and no one would miss them. There must be a TNG equivalent to "79 episodes, 30 good ones."

 

[Owain Taggart]

I must say I disagree, in some cases more is better.
Having more episodes of a good series is better than having less.
What if for example TNG had seven seasons and each season only, perhaps, 14 or so episodes.
Irritating thought. =)

It depends on what and how well made it is. Generally, if I like a show enough then the episode count won't matter so much. But there are some shows that don't seem to structure themselves too well and then tend to have a lot of repetition. And like I said, if someone is new to something and wants to get into it, 7 seasons of 22 episodes is not going to be very inviting. I once tried getting into Bones because I liked the characters and the general concept, but once I realized how much of a slog each season would be, I gave up on it. Different strokes for different folks...