Sterling K. Brown says that streamers are releasing 8-10 episode seasons because platforms make their money off new subscribers looking for new shows, not more episodes: “The only thing that could change it is if fans actually stop subscribing and mandate that these platforms make longer seasons.”
Posted by cmaia1503
28 Comments
Streamers are chasing constant new signups, while fans just want enough episodes to actually live with a show for a while.
Not only mandate longer seasons, but better quality shows? So much of the content these days is sloppish (at least on Netflix; thinking of House of Cards when it first dropped).
I’m also quickly growing tired of the subscription model.
Edit* werds 🤓
Some of these streaming shows don’t have enough story to do 4 episodes let alone 8 or more. The writing is always a let down.
Guess what? Done.
I don’t even care about longer seasons (although it would be nice) I just want a new season every year instead of waiting years between
He’s definitely right, but this is also widely known and has been discussed for years, so idk why anyone is surprised to hear this.
The main thing that’s gonna disrupt this model is streamers moving to Ad Tier models. That way a shows viewership directly impacts the money they make.
Nah I’m pro less episodes and more shows. Don’t stretch out a story just to fill time. I love the smaller commitment of a miniseries or shorter season.
People need to start doing their streaming via a rotation and be loud about it. Dont sign up for everything all at once. Pick one, go through the worthy content and cancel. Then move onto the next one. Not only does it save you money, but it also sends a message when you cancel. If a decent percentage of people started doing this, it would change how these companies operate.
A company is there to make money. They will always take the path of least resistance to do it. With the amount of people that have subscriptions they don’t use or just use for a single show they could save up a season or 2 for and then sub for just a single month… consumers still have a lot of power over companies and they wont change until you make them
This seems like something the writer’s guild should address
I think we’re reaching an inflection point just based on cost. We somehow went full circle and invented cable again except it’s 8 different streaming services that cost $99 a month combined
I’m actually fine with 8-10 episodes a season for serialised shows, though even with shorter seasons you still get filler episodes.
For episodic shows, sure – give me 22-24 episode seasons all day long
Shorter seasons were already a thing before streaming became so popular. AMC, USA Network, FX, all those similar networks–they were all doing it first. Maybe streamers use it to get more subscribers, but they didn’t create the trend.
I don’t really have a problem with it, if it means more focused storytelling. The problem is the long wait between the seasons.
There was a time when a show could have 5-10 filler episodes in a 20 episode season, and still rely on viewership. Viewers, for better or for worse, are not as patient nowadays. Combine the fact that ad revenue is almost irrelevant and there isn’t the incentive as there once was.
Just unsubscribed to Netflix
I simply cannot afford streaming anymore. so i’m doing my part
Been saying boycotting is all that can stop them now
24ep seasons we’re like and mlb season.
8-10, one day of a golf tournament
I’m a middle age woman with kids and a full time job, I’m good with 8 episodes a season. Also, bring back 90 minutes long movies.
People actually want long seasons? I always loved the BBC miniseries’s with 6 episodes telling a coherent story with no filler.
We need a mass unsubscribe movement
or else nothing, including prices, will change
I frequently really enjoy tv shows that only run for 10 episodes. I’ve always loved mini series personally; a lot of long running shows aren’t good enough to justify how long they’ve been on the air.
the biggest issue is that some shows are better suited for short arcs durign their seasons and some are better suited for a larger episode count, and there doesn’t seem to anyone (other than hbo tbf bcs they did give the pitt 15 eps) willing to kinda find the middleground and decide on the lenght that fits the show. people need to watch network tv if they want more eps, but that’s not happening, and streamers are unwilling to leave a model that really works for them which is short seasons bcs they can give you more shows that way and find one that sticks
Some shows could definitely use longer seasons. Instead of 8, 10-12 would really help the story. Bridgerton, is one example that could use maybe 2 more episodes per season to give more breathing room and resolve some of the plot holes (major and minor).
I think there are few shows nowadays that need the “22” episode (or whatever it was) season of old tv.
But– these streaming platforms, especially Netflix, don’t give new shows a chance. Unless it’s something like Bridgerton or Stranger Things, they don’t renew. Plenty of fairly successful, critically well received, audience liked shows get canceled. If the show intended the story to go on…there is no resolution for the audience.
If streamers want one and done seasons they should ask for plots that resolve in one season, like a serialized movie. Mare of Easttown is a good example.
Nice to see actors talk about business models. A decade ago they were hyping how Netflix disrupted the industry to bring the best quality shows ever, but now there seems to be an abundance of mid
Everyone cancel your subscriptions and pirate everything until TV shows and Moves are better!
Looking at you, One Piece
I don’t want longer seasons. Most of these shows seem like movies that got dragged out to a show.
I struggle with this because some of my favourite series of all time had very limited runs. I’ll take My Mad Fat Diary over 10 seasons of The Summer I Never Loved Ginny, for example. That’s not saying that those longer series are unimportant or not worth making, but I’m just saying that I don’t need every show to go on forever just so actors can get paid.
I think the ideal would be for actors (and other workers in the TV industry) to get paid so fairly and consistently, with full benefits to boot, such that series length wasn’t a make or break for them and their families. I want intentionally made TV that sufficiently compensates its contributors. A billion dollar industry can surely figure that out.