Ideal Length of a TV series
11-18-13, 08:37 AM
#1
DVD Talk Legend
Thread Starter
Ideal Length of a TV series
There are shows like Arrested Development, where people seem to think they were cancelled too soon. There are shows like How I Met Your Mother, where people think the show has dragged on far too long.
With so many more options for people to get into older shows (netflix, hulu, etc), does the length of a series play a role in deciding to dive into a show or not? Have you ever skipped watching an older show because you know it got cancelled after 1-2 years? Have you ever skipped an older show because you didn't want to make the commitment to watch hundreds of episodes?
It really depends if it's a comedy or a drama; if it's a serial or a procedural. But I think that 5 seasons is the sweet spot for me.
With so many more options for people to get into older shows (netflix, hulu, etc), does the length of a series play a role in deciding to dive into a show or not? Have you ever skipped watching an older show because you know it got cancelled after 1-2 years? Have you ever skipped an older show because you didn't want to make the commitment to watch hundreds of episodes?
It really depends if it's a comedy or a drama; if it's a serial or a procedural. But I think that 5 seasons is the sweet spot for me.
11-18-13, 09:15 AM
#2
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Re: Ideal Length of a TV series
I think 7 was the standard for so many years. However, I think serialized v standalone format plays into things as well.
Current examples:
1) I think Vampire Diaries would do well to wrap up after next season. It's still fresh, and this year is an improvement over last, but it could quickly get old fast.
2) Castle has been great, but I think it could have wrapped last year if not this year. However since it's mostly episodic I could ABC going another 2-3 years.
Current examples:
1) I think Vampire Diaries would do well to wrap up after next season. It's still fresh, and this year is an improvement over last, but it could quickly get old fast.
2) Castle has been great, but I think it could have wrapped last year if not this year. However since it's mostly episodic I could ABC going another 2-3 years.
11-18-13, 09:30 AM
#3
DVD Talk Platinum Edition
Re: Ideal Length of a TV series
I think it depends on the initial premise of a show and other factors like actors staying or leaving. I really liked ER's early seasons, but as actors came and went the show went on way too long. I wish Friday Night Lights would have a sixth season to give extra focus to some of the characters introduced through the East Dillon side.
I agree with SupermanO7, TVD should end next season.
I agree with SupermanO7, TVD should end next season.
11-18-13, 09:53 AM
#4
DVD Talk Legend
Re: Ideal Length of a TV series
There really isn't a standard answer for this. It really depends on the type of show.
For dramas, procedurals can go on forever, even if you replace main characters.
Serialized shows should be in the 60-75 episode range. Breaking Bad was the perfect length at 62 episodes. The Shield was also a good length at 89, though there was a little fat that could be trimmed there. The Wire tapped out at a good point too, 60 episodes. Sopranos could have also benefited from less episodes and that was 86.
You have different issues with comedies. You have family comedies such as Modern Family, which was gold when it first started but has been weaker lately. A lot of that has to do with the kids getting older and not fitting in the same roles they had when they were kids.
For the most part though, comedies can go on forever as well, as long as it remains funny. Cheers and Seinfeld went strong for 10 seasons. However, The Office and How I Met Your Mother started to fall apart around season 5. You see the same starting with Modern Family now. Meanwhile you have Parks and Recreation which is 100 episodes in and mostly still going strong. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia also just wrapped up a strong season and that is over 100 episodes in. So I don't think there is a template for how long a comedy should go, it all just matters on if they can manage to keep it funny. For the most part though it's really hard to keep a show funny for over 5 seasons.
For dramas, procedurals can go on forever, even if you replace main characters.
Serialized shows should be in the 60-75 episode range. Breaking Bad was the perfect length at 62 episodes. The Shield was also a good length at 89, though there was a little fat that could be trimmed there. The Wire tapped out at a good point too, 60 episodes. Sopranos could have also benefited from less episodes and that was 86.
You have different issues with comedies. You have family comedies such as Modern Family, which was gold when it first started but has been weaker lately. A lot of that has to do with the kids getting older and not fitting in the same roles they had when they were kids.
For the most part though, comedies can go on forever as well, as long as it remains funny. Cheers and Seinfeld went strong for 10 seasons. However, The Office and How I Met Your Mother started to fall apart around season 5. You see the same starting with Modern Family now. Meanwhile you have Parks and Recreation which is 100 episodes in and mostly still going strong. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia also just wrapped up a strong season and that is over 100 episodes in. So I don't think there is a template for how long a comedy should go, it all just matters on if they can manage to keep it funny. For the most part though it's really hard to keep a show funny for over 5 seasons.
11-18-13, 09:58 AM
#5
DVD Talk Platinum Edition
Re: Ideal Length of a TV series
There really isn't a standard answer for this. It really depends on the type of show.
For dramas, procedurals can go on forever, even if you replace main characters.
Serialized shows should be in the 60-75 episode range. Breaking Bad was the perfect length at 62 episodes. The Shield was also a good length at 89, though there was a little fat that could be trimmed there. The Wire tapped out at a good point too, 60 episodes. Sopranos could have also benefited from less episodes and that was 86.
You have different issues with comedies. You have family comedies such as Modern Family, which was gold when it first started but has been weaker lately. A lot of that has to do with the kids getting older and not fitting in the same roles they had when they were kids.
For the most part though, comedies can go on forever as well, as long as it remains funny. Cheers and Seinfeld went strong for 10 seasons. However, The Office and How I Met Your Mother started to fall apart around season 5. You see the same starting with Modern Family now. Meanwhile you have Parks and Recreation which is 100 episodes in and mostly still going strong. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia also just wrapped up a strong season and that is over 100 episodes in. So I don't think there is a template for how long a comedy should go, it all just matters on if they can manage to keep it funny. For the most part though it's really hard to keep a show funny for over 5 seasons.
For dramas, procedurals can go on forever, even if you replace main characters.
Serialized shows should be in the 60-75 episode range. Breaking Bad was the perfect length at 62 episodes. The Shield was also a good length at 89, though there was a little fat that could be trimmed there. The Wire tapped out at a good point too, 60 episodes. Sopranos could have also benefited from less episodes and that was 86.
You have different issues with comedies. You have family comedies such as Modern Family, which was gold when it first started but has been weaker lately. A lot of that has to do with the kids getting older and not fitting in the same roles they had when they were kids.
For the most part though, comedies can go on forever as well, as long as it remains funny. Cheers and Seinfeld went strong for 10 seasons. However, The Office and How I Met Your Mother started to fall apart around season 5. You see the same starting with Modern Family now. Meanwhile you have Parks and Recreation which is 100 episodes in and mostly still going strong. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia also just wrapped up a strong season and that is over 100 episodes in. So I don't think there is a template for how long a comedy should go, it all just matters on if they can manage to keep it funny. For the most part though it's really hard to keep a show funny for over 5 seasons.
11-18-13, 02:35 PM
#7
DVD Talk Legend
Re: Ideal Length of a TV series
The answer is: however long the showrunner needs to tell a tight and concise story without over extending things at the request of the network. Nearly every show I've watched in recent years has been hurt by this and could've been stronger by trimming a couple of seasons.
11-18-13, 02:41 PM
#9
DVD Talk Hero
Re: Ideal Length of a TV series
The real problem is that creative staffs eventually get to a point where they have nothing left to say about the characters after a certain point. Older shows have often been revitalized by bringing in new showrunners. Smallville had become garbage by its fourth or fifth season, and needed the original showrunners to step down to become entertaining once again.
11-18-13, 02:44 PM
#10
DVD Talk Hero
11-18-13, 05:29 PM
#14
DVD Talk Legend
Thread Starter
Re: Ideal Length of a TV series
There really isn't a standard answer for this. It really depends on the type of show.
For dramas, procedurals can go on forever, even if you replace main characters.
Serialized shows should be in the 60-75 episode range. Breaking Bad was the perfect length at 62 episodes. The Shield was also a good length at 89, though there was a little fat that could be trimmed there. The Wire tapped out at a good point too, 60 episodes. Sopranos could have also benefited from less episodes and that was 86.
You have different issues with comedies. You have family comedies such as Modern Family, which was gold when it first started but has been weaker lately. A lot of that has to do with the kids getting older and not fitting in the same roles they had when they were kids.
For the most part though, comedies can go on forever as well, as long as it remains funny. Cheers and Seinfeld went strong for 10 seasons. However, The Office and How I Met Your Mother started to fall apart around season 5. You see the same starting with Modern Family now. Meanwhile you have Parks and Recreation which is 100 episodes in and mostly still going strong. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia also just wrapped up a strong season and that is over 100 episodes in. So I don't think there is a template for how long a comedy should go, it all just matters on if they can manage to keep it funny. For the most part though it's really hard to keep a show funny for over 5 seasons.
For dramas, procedurals can go on forever, even if you replace main characters.
Serialized shows should be in the 60-75 episode range. Breaking Bad was the perfect length at 62 episodes. The Shield was also a good length at 89, though there was a little fat that could be trimmed there. The Wire tapped out at a good point too, 60 episodes. Sopranos could have also benefited from less episodes and that was 86.
You have different issues with comedies. You have family comedies such as Modern Family, which was gold when it first started but has been weaker lately. A lot of that has to do with the kids getting older and not fitting in the same roles they had when they were kids.
For the most part though, comedies can go on forever as well, as long as it remains funny. Cheers and Seinfeld went strong for 10 seasons. However, The Office and How I Met Your Mother started to fall apart around season 5. You see the same starting with Modern Family now. Meanwhile you have Parks and Recreation which is 100 episodes in and mostly still going strong. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia also just wrapped up a strong season and that is over 100 episodes in. So I don't think there is a template for how long a comedy should go, it all just matters on if they can manage to keep it funny. For the most part though it's really hard to keep a show funny for over 5 seasons.
But if it was a 5 season show, I'd probably jump right into it.
11-18-13, 05:51 PM
#15
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Re: Ideal Length of a TV series
funny that you mentioned the Shield. I've never seen it. From what I've heard, I'm confident that I'll enjoy it. But the fact that it's 7 seasons seems like it's just a little too long to get into now. That's not an insurmountable hurdle, but if the show does come out on Netflix, I probably wouldn't jump right into it, but wait until I knew I had plenty of free time.
But if it was a 5 season show, I'd probably jump right into it.
But if it was a 5 season show, I'd probably jump right into it.
11-18-13, 05:54 PM
#16
Re: Ideal Length of a TV series
Some episodes of the Shield are shorter than others, and seasons 5 was split into two so that became 5 and 6. But yeah once you start you won't want to stop, so get some free time.
11-18-13, 10:21 PM
#18
Re: Ideal Length of a TV series
I like the 5 season thing. It's a nice number of episodes where a show can have a good number of storylines without getting stale. There are plenty of exceptions though. Another thing is that network shows generally have much longer seasons. 5 seasons of Grey's Anatomy is somewhere around 110 episodes and that's a show that is way, way past its prime. OTOH, 5 seasons of Game of Thrones will be a mere 50 episodes. Quality over quantity.
11-19-13, 01:31 PM
#22
DVD Talk Hero
Re: Ideal Length of a TV series
If it's serialized, as long as the series has a story to tell.
Otherwise, 5 seasons.
Otherwise, 5 seasons.
11-19-13, 01:50 PM
#23
Re: Ideal Length of a TV series
Agree case in point I would have stuck with Under the Dome if it was wrapped up after one season same with The Killing. I would have continued to watch if they would have wrapped up the Rosie case then moved on.
11-19-13, 01:50 PM
#24
DVD Talk Godfather
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Re: Ideal Length of a TV series
The thought of seven seasons of Buffy interwoven with five seasons of Angel intimidated me for a long time, but Buffy fans convinced me that I could watch that as a standalone. So I'm almost four seasons in and really enjoying it. 
Maybe I'll try Angel someday.
Maybe I'll try Angel someday.
11-19-13, 01:55 PM
#25
DVD Talk God
Re: Ideal Length of a TV series
Production costs rise as the shows get older and cast members contracts expire & have to be renegotiated. All that also plays into how long the show goes on as opposed to just storytelling.
Criminal Minds on CBS is in it's 9th season and they have had to renegotiate contracts for talent for the past 3 seasons. They played a huge factor in it coming back.
Criminal Minds on CBS is in it's 9th season and they have had to renegotiate contracts for talent for the past 3 seasons. They played a huge factor in it coming back.
