In recent years, the trend in television has shifted towards shorter seasons, with many shows opting for 10 episodes or less per season. While this format has its benefits, there is a growing sentiment among viewers and critics that longer seasons, like the traditional 22-episode structure, offer a more immersive and satisfying viewing experience.
One of the main arguments in favor of longer TV seasons is the opportunity for deeper character development and storytelling. With more episodes to work with, writers can explore subplots, secondary characters, and overarching themes in greater detail, allowing for a more nuanced and complex narrative. This can lead to more compelling arcs for both the main characters and the supporting cast, creating a richer and more engaging viewing experience.
Additionally, longer seasons provide more room for world-building and exploration of the show’s setting. Whether it’s a fictional universe or a real-life location, a longer season allows for a more thorough exploration of the world in which the characters exist. This can enhance the overall immersion for viewers and create a more vivid and dynamic backdrop for the story.
Furthermore, longer seasons offer more opportunities for diverse storytelling and representation. With more episodes, show creators can delve into a wider range of topics, perspectives, and voices, leading to more inclusive and representative storytelling. This can help to broaden the appeal of a show and attract a more diverse audience, ultimately enriching the viewing experience for all viewers.
While shorter seasons have their advantages, such as tighter pacing and reduced filler episodes, the case for bringing back longer TV seasons is a compelling one. By allowing for more in-depth character development, world-building, and diverse storytelling, longer seasons can offer a more satisfying and immersive viewing experience for audiences.
In conclusion, the shift towards shorter TV seasons has its merits, but there is a growing call for the return of longer seasons like the traditional 22-episode format. By providing more opportunities for character development, world-building, and diverse storytelling, longer seasons can offer a more enriching and immersive viewing experience for audiences.
References:
– Lambert, Evan. (2025, June). It’s Time For TV Seasons To Have More Than 10 Episodes Again. Thought Catalog. https://thoughtcatalog.com/evan-lambert/2025/06/its-time-for-tv-seasons-to-have-more-than-10-episodes-again/
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