“Grey’s Anatomy,” “Criminal Minds” and “Law and Order” are prime examples of shows that have gone on for far too long.
With “Grey’s Anatomy” running for 21 seasons, “Criminal Minds” at 18 and “Law and Order” reaching 23 seasons, these shows have far surpassed the threshold for a “good show.” Shows having seasons with double-digit numbers almost always lose their original spark and creative genius. The magic of the show fades, leaving behind repetitive arcs and characters that no longer feel dynamic.
“Grey’s Anatomy,” a medical drama that follows the lives of a group of surgical residents, has become widely criticized in later seasons as many fans noticed a decline in quality. A significant factor in the show’s decline is the departure of beloved characters who starred in the earlier seasons, such as Izzie Stevens and George O’Malley. The new characters that were introduced were undeveloped and failed to live up the legacy of those who had gone.
Similarly, “Criminal Minds” is a true crime show focusing on a specialized team investigating high-profile criminal cases in the United States. Each episode has the same structure, following the team as they investigate cases with the criminal revealed at the end. You would think having new cases and new criminals every episode would be intriguing, but the same investigative techniques on display make it too predictable. Because the same plot structure has gone on for so many years, the show no longer intrigues or excites viewers.
Likewise, “Law and Order” has become known for its highly predictable formulaic structure. Each episode follows the same pattern: a crime is committed, the detectives investigate and the case moves to the district attorney’s office.
While all of these shows worked well for the first several seasons, the lack of major narrative evolution makes it difficult for audiences to stay engaged.
So what is the “ideal” number of seasons for a TV show? That number is subjective and depends on the genre, but a good rule of thumb is usually 4-5 seasons.
Netflix’s “Stranger Things” currently has four seasons, and its fifth and final season is set to be released next year. It is a good example of a show with the ideal number of seasons because the plot doesn’t seem overused and viewers are still attached to the characters.
Limiting the number of seasons ensures the show can maintain a clear direction without too many filler episodes.
The ideal sequence goes like this: Establish the show’s tone, expand character dynamics, introduce new conflicts and bring all storylines to a satisfying conclusion. Fans are introduced to a completely new storyline with characters possessing unique character traits in the first season. In the next two to three seasons, viewers will be able to continue appreciating their favorite characters as they grow and develop without feeling like twists and turns have been overused.
If the show is too short, people may feel it is rushed or incomplete and will not be attached to any of the characters. However, by continuing the show for a reasonable number of seasons, the characters will be fully developed and the story lines won’t be repeated.
