A TV show’s length is definitely crucial to enjoying the story and not feeling bored. If a streaming series is a drama, thriller, or horror show, each season tends to have ten 60-minute episodes. Sometimes, though, this feels like too much content, as not every episode lives up to the one that came before it.
When thinking about what kind of TV show structure is better, the case can be made for shorter seasons. There is one popular show in particular that has done a great job of engaging viewers while leaving everyone wanting more.
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When comparing the episode number of several popular fall 2022 TV shows, it’s possible to argue that a shorter season is a better idea.The Midnight Clubhas ten hour-long episodes, season 1 ofWednesdayhas eight episodes that are each around one hour long, andThe White Lotusis even shorter. Season 1 of the HBO drama has six episodes and season 2 has seven. The common model of streaming seasons that are eight, nine, or ten episodes leaves room for some filler and some episodes are dull and unnecessary.
The Midnight Clubis one of Mike Flanagan’s scary showsand even though it has well-crafted characters and important themes of life and death, it does feel like it’s a few episodes too long. The weakest part of the series is the terrifying stories that the characters tell each other in the library late at night. Some stories, like “Gimme A Kiss,” aren’t that exciting. If the season was perhaps two episodes shorter, that would have made the stories more impactful. Having a shorter season means focusing on concise storytelling, and that’s always a positive thing.
It would be great ifWednesdayis renewed for season 2given its popularity. The series gives Jenna Ortega a smart, tough main character and she shines throughout. While the first season has only eight episodes, there is still some filler that could be taken out. Wednesday’s dance is fantastic and fans would love to see even more scenes with members of the Addams family. But some scenes at Nevermore could be removed to cut down the run time, like when Wednesday finds out that there’s a secret society that hides in the library. This isn’t particularly exciting to watch and doesn’t feel that unique.
It feels likeThe White Lotusis exactly as long as it needs to be, proving that shorter seasons are always a smart idea. Expectations were high forThe White Lotusseason 2 finaleafter such a fascinating and funny season, and it definitely delivered. Each episode is like a mini-movie showing the gorgeous Sicily scenery and the cracks in the foundations of the two couples staying at the hotel. Harper (Aubrey Plaza) and Ethan Spiller (Will Sharpe) are bored in their marriage and don’t get along. Cameron (Theo James) and Daphne (Meghann Fahy) Sullivan have a toxic relationship and each think that they have the upper hand in terms of power.
Season 2 ofThe White Lotusis the perfect run time, exploring the various guests at the fancy, five-star hotel while not leaving any room for boredom. From Portia (Haley Lu Richardson) working for Tanya McQuoid-Hunt (Jennifer Coolidge) to Mia (Beatrice Grannò) and Lucia Greco (Simona Tabasco) becoming entwined with several characters, everyone is given the perfect amount of attention.
The White Lotusseason 2 finale had a high viewershipthanks to the strong setting, characters that are flawed but manage to be likable, and the mystery that is in the background of the season. Since the dialogue is so smart, the season’s structure feels just right. It’s a joy seeing the two main couples talk about whether or not they should be consuming so much news, with Ethan and Harper believing that it’s impossible not to pay attention and Daphne and Cameron saying that the news is too depressing.
The White Lotusis also a good example of how much a show can do in just six or seven episodes. Season 2 has struck a pop culture chord more than the first season, which is a testament to the character development, dialogue, and fast pace. It’s a brilliant character study of how money definitely doesn’t equal contentment as everyone is struggling with stress, worry, and expectations.
The best part about season 2 ofThe White Lotusis it’s such a fun viewing experience that it’s easy to want more. Thankfully,HBO renewedThe White Lotusfor a third season, and season 3 will likely feature the same intriguing storytelling in a handful of episodes. Other TV series should definitely follow this model as it’s best to leave fans wanting more.
