TV’s Broken: Seasons Taking FOREVER?!

by

If you’re one of those people who have been growing impatient about when your favorite show will return, now might be a good time to voice your thoughts. Over the past few years, television has undergone significant changes that have left many viewers feeling frustrated. This is due to the traditional structure of U.S. series, which often includes multiple seasons, cliffhangers, and long-lasting mysteries, being subjected to increased criticism. Yes, there have been legitimate reasons for these delays such as the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and the Writers’ Strike in 2023, but it seems that today, the general consensus among fans is clear: they’re tired of waiting years for resolution.

2025 finds us in a predicament where popular series such as Stranger Things, Euphoria, House of the Dragon, The Witcher, among others, are taking an unusually long time to return. Shows like Severance have already premiered, with Season 2 emerging after a three-year hiatus. This lengthy delay begs the question: why do some shows take so long to air, resulting in audiences struggling to recall key plot points and follow the narrative? Could there be valid reasons behind this trend, or should American TV adopt a model more like the British one, featuring shorter, self-contained story arcs?

Shows like Stranger Things, Euphoria, House of the Dragon, The Witcher, and many others are taking too long to come back on. For example, Severance Season 2 came out after a wait of three years. This makes it hard for viewers to remember the story details. Why does this happen? Could the TV industry in America benefit from adopting a model similar to the British one, which focuses on shorter, complete stories instead of long-running series with significant gaps between seasons?

To begin, it’s crucial for a story told in installments to have a plot that delivers on its promise and keeps viewers engaged. Traditionally, series might span numerous seasons and episodes (such as The Vampire Diaries, Lost, The Walking Dead, or Supernatural), with a year-long break between seasons allowing the entire production process to be completed. However, streaming platforms transformed the way shows are both consumed and produced, as viewers no longer wanted to wait for new episodes – this is where binge-watching emerged.

Moving forward, productions decided to air fewer episodes per season, all released simultaneously. Was this a beneficial change? Absolutely, yet it did bring some challenges. To maintain quality in line with the new expectations, more time was required. This is reasonable given the intricacies involved, such as significant investments in special effects and sets, extended post-production periods, and coordinating busy cast members and creative teams who often have numerous projects on their plates. However, one may wonder, what’s the way forward under these circumstances?

As the impatience among viewers continues to escalate, the urge to abandon the ongoing storyline becomes stronger. Perhaps it’s worth considering an approach more akin to the British method. British series, for instance, tend to be more compact, with stories that unfold within a single season. Shows like Fleabag, Baby Reindeer, Normal People, and Years and Years exemplify this style effectively. Unlike American shows, these British productions neatly conclude their narratives in a smaller number of episodes, making them simpler to follow and more fulfilling to watch. This method appears to be the least risky and undeniably leads to success. Although it’s captivating to immerse audiences in a vast and imaginative world, maintaining a balance is crucial to ensure everything progresses smoothly and keeps the story moving forward.

If you’re looking for something captivating and unique, consider formats like those employed by some U.K. shows, such as “Doctor Who.” Although there’s a serialized element, it allows for flexibility in viewing without demanding extensive commitment upfront. While understanding the background story is beneficial, it isn’t overly complex. Moreover, the series typically takes about a year to return with new seasons. Shows like “Black Mirror,” which feature standalone episodes, have also found great success within this procedural format. Ultimately, a compelling script is what truly matters.

The popular television series, “Game of Thrones,” held worldwide acclaim and spanned eight years. This epic fantasy show was renowned not just for its swift release of seasons (with the exception of the later ones), but also due to strategic planning, simultaneous filming crews, streamlined post-production, and dedication to deadlines. Yet, one must wonder if such an investment is worthwhile in today’s media landscape. Is it wise to construct intricate universes when maintaining audience interest becomes a daunting task until the next season? For instance, “House of the Dragon” faced criticism for its second season following a two-year delay, which left fans less than satisfied.

In today’s media landscape, there are numerous advantages and disadvantages to weigh when it comes to television production. With an abundance of shows vying for viewer attention, is it wise to risk extended breaks between seasons and potentially fade into obscurity? Are viewers still willing to stick with stories that span years to reach their conclusion? Do studios truly want to commit to large-scale productions when audiences might swiftly move on to the next popular show? Is it worth investing so much energy into ambitious series if the wait for resolution dampens viewer excitement? Shifting towards a more concise format with self-contained arcs could offer numerous advantages in television. By crafting shorter, focused narratives, shows can enhance their content quality while also minimizing burnout and reducing waiting times for their audience.

It’s time for U.S. TV production to rethink their practice of delaying new seasons for extended periods. The British approach, characterized by shorter, self-contained seasons, might offer a solution that leads to a much more fulfilling viewing experience in the future. The industry should strive for a harmony between quality and pace, as it’s essential to adjust and innovate in line with societal transformations, consumption patterns, and audience preferences. Failure to adapt could result in being left behind.

Read More

2025-04-05 22:11