What I'd like in an ongoing TV series
1. No fewer than 12 episodes per season.
2. No fewer than 4 episodes broadcast in a row (if on broadcast TV).
3. Each season starts at about the same time every year.
4. Each episode debuts at the same time and the same day for at least the entire season (if on broadcast TV).
5. No clips episode, ever.
6. No starting a story/plotline without already knowing how and when it's going to end (with the caveat that these plans can change if a better idea presents itself). No hanging (major) plot threads.
7. That said, don't be afraid to not reveal something to the audience if it serves the story better not to reveal what happens.
8. No more than 5 seasons unless the absolute preponderance of opinion is that there are good stories left to tell.
9. Don't be afraid to recast characters if necessary — don't shoehorn in a new character just because one of the actors quits or is fired unless it makes sense for the ongoing existing stories/plotlines.
10. That said, always retire a character if the actor portraying that character dies in real life, but do it respectfully.
11. When you reach the finale, don't feel the need to have an episode that is completely out of character for the rest of the series. The finale of MASH, for example, is absolutely not a comedy at all — I can't even remember anything funny in that episode, but it was in character with the rest of the series. The finale of Star Trek Enterprise, though.... Sheesh.
12. Keep the budget reasonable. Don't spend so much money that the show will have to be the biggest hit in the history of world television just to break even. Don't give the network/streaming service an excuse to cancel the show for poor ratings if there's an audience for the show. Supernatural ran for 15 seasons in part because it's budget was the spare change found in the producer's couch cushions.
13. Respect your audience, but don't feel enslaved to what they say they want.
Random thoughts for the afternoon, when I should be working.
2. No fewer than 4 episodes broadcast in a row (if on broadcast TV).
3. Each season starts at about the same time every year.
4. Each episode debuts at the same time and the same day for at least the entire season (if on broadcast TV).
5. No clips episode, ever.
6. No starting a story/plotline without already knowing how and when it's going to end (with the caveat that these plans can change if a better idea presents itself). No hanging (major) plot threads.
7. That said, don't be afraid to not reveal something to the audience if it serves the story better not to reveal what happens.
8. No more than 5 seasons unless the absolute preponderance of opinion is that there are good stories left to tell.
9. Don't be afraid to recast characters if necessary — don't shoehorn in a new character just because one of the actors quits or is fired unless it makes sense for the ongoing existing stories/plotlines.
10. That said, always retire a character if the actor portraying that character dies in real life, but do it respectfully.
11. When you reach the finale, don't feel the need to have an episode that is completely out of character for the rest of the series. The finale of MASH, for example, is absolutely not a comedy at all — I can't even remember anything funny in that episode, but it was in character with the rest of the series. The finale of Star Trek Enterprise, though.... Sheesh.
12. Keep the budget reasonable. Don't spend so much money that the show will have to be the biggest hit in the history of world television just to break even. Don't give the network/streaming service an excuse to cancel the show for poor ratings if there's an audience for the show. Supernatural ran for 15 seasons in part because it's budget was the spare change found in the producer's couch cushions.
13. Respect your audience, but don't feel enslaved to what they say they want.
Random thoughts for the afternoon, when I should be working.
61-69, M
