Mon Sep 23 21:23:27 UTC 2024: ## Eight Episodes, the New Norm? “Wednesday” Writer Defends Shorter Seasons
The highly anticipated second season of Netflix’s hit series “Wednesday” will stick to the eight-episode format of its predecessor, and according to writer Alfred Gough, this is no coincidence. In an interview with Collider, Gough argued that eight-episode seasons are now the ideal format for television series, citing his experience with shows like “Smallville” and “Into the Badlands”.
Gough explained that shorter seasons, particularly eight episodes, allow for more focused storytelling, eliminating the need for “wheel-spinners” – episodes that don’t significantly contribute to the overarching plot. He believes that this structure allows for a more satisfying conclusion, as viewers aren’t left with the feeling that they’ve been subjected to filler content.
“Wednesday” season 1 broke records as the most-watched English-language Netflix original series, and its success suggests that even high-profile shows are adapting to the shorter season format. While some streaming services like Disney+ and Hulu still produce shows with longer seasons, the trend toward shorter seasons seems to be the new norm for most streaming platforms.
This shift is driven by several factors, including the increasing cost of production and the changing viewing habits of audiences. Viewers today are accustomed to binge-watching shows, and shorter seasons allow for a more concentrated viewing experience.
However, not all shows benefit from shorter seasons. Some genres, such as serialized dramas, may require more episodes to adequately develop characters and storylines. Ultimately, the optimal number of episodes per season will continue to be a point of debate, and the success of “Wednesday” season 2 will be a key indicator of whether shorter seasons are truly the future of television.
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