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Eight-episode seasons are ruining TV. Bring back the 22-episode binge
Australia🏛️ PoliticsProgressiveOverlooked by conservatives4 hr. ago

Eight-episode seasons are ruining TV. Bring back the 22-episode binge

The article is an opinion piece arguing that the shift to shorter, eight-episode TV seasons is detrimental to viewer engagement and the development of meaningful narratives. The author recalls their experience watching 'The O.C.' during its longer run (27–25 episodes per season) and contrasts it with modern shows that typically have 10 episodes or fewer. They express frustration with the current format, claiming it prevents viewers from forming deep connections with characters and stories. The author suggests that longer seasons, like those of 'Friends,' 'Grey’s Anatomy,' and 'Seinfeld,' allowed for richer storytelling and cultural impact. They reference specific moments, such as the iconic 'Nick and Jess' kiss on 'New Girl,' which occurred much later in the show’s run, highlighting the value of extended serialization.

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2 reports

The Age logoThe AgeIndependentProgressive4 hr. ago
Eight-episode seasons are ruining TV. Bring back the 22-episode binge

The article is an opinion piece lamenting the shift from longer-running TV seasons (typically 22-25 episodes) to shorter, eight-episode formats. The author recalls their teenage experience with 'The O.C.', which aired weekly and allowed for deeper engagement with characters and plots. They argue that modern shows, while sometimes high quality, lack the depth and continuity provided by extended runs. The author suggests that longer seasons allow for stronger character development and narrative arcs, which are harder to achieve in shorter formats. They reference specific examples like 'New Girl' and compare older classics such as 'Friends' and 'Seinfeld' to newer shows like 'Succession' and 'The White Lotus', arguing that the latter are too brief to foster meaningful connections.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the issue as a cultural and artistic decline due to changes in TV production models, suggesting that longer seasons provide better storytelling. While not overtly political, the critique of current trends implies a preference for traditional, more immersive content, aligning with左

The Sydney Morning Herald logoThe Sydney Morning HeraldIndependentProgressive4 hr. ago
Eight-episode seasons are ruining TV. Bring back the 22-episode binge

The article is an opinion piece arguing that the shift to shorter, eight-episode TV seasons is detrimental to viewer engagement and the development of meaningful narratives. The author recalls their experience watching 'The O.C.' during its longer run (27–25 episodes per season) and contrasts it with modern shows that typically have 10 episodes or fewer. They express frustration with the current format, claiming it prevents viewers from forming deep connections with characters and stories. The author suggests that longer seasons, like those of 'Friends,' 'Grey’s Anatomy,' and 'Seinfeld,' allowed for richer storytelling and cultural impact. They reference specific moments, such as the iconic 'Nick and Jess' kiss on 'New Girl,' which occurred much later in the show’s run, highlighting the value of extended serialization.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the debate around TV formats as a cultural and artistic issue, emphasizing the importance of serialized storytelling and deeper character development. While not overtly political, the critique of modern TV trends aligns with broader left-leaning concerns about media quality, depth

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