2 | Programming Trends (Network/Cable, Streaming, Online, or Social)
Not long ago, television shows were nearly 20–24 episodes per season. Audiences would spend hours following beloved characters as they deviated from the main storyline: going to the beach, singing musicals, and even encountering characters from other shows. These filler episodes were to be expected––writer's rooms discussed plots for months, filming took even longer, and audiences needed a moment away from all the action to learn more about the film's world and characters. Today? You're lucky to get even 10 episodes––you're even luckier if the show doesn't vanish for two years before the next announcement. And now? They're releasing half seasons to keep audience engagemen t up. What caused this shift in television, and what does it mean for the future of filmmaking? Well, part of this shift is because cable is nearly dead . This death is partially due to attention economics . Viewers now have to juggle multiple streaming services, social platforms, and gam...
