TV Seasons Shrink: Execs Debate Length vs. Risk

The television industry is navigating a landscape reshaped by shorter seasons, a trend that has sparked varied opinions among NBCUniversal development executives.

Vivian Cannon, EVP of Drama Development, Universal Television, noted that longer seasons offer financial advantages by allowing production costs, such as set construction, to be distributed over more episodes. She expressed a hope for fewer but longer television orders, which could necessitate larger writing teams.

Conversely, Jennifer Gwartz, EVP of UCP, highlighted the benefit of shorter orders for casting, stating they provide opportunities to secure A-list talent who might be unavailable for extensive commitments. She also pointed out the advantage of filming in unique locations, which becomes more feasible with concise production schedules.

Margaret Schatzel, SVP of Global Scripted Series, Universal International Studios, emphasized that story dictates episode count. However, she acknowledged that shorter orders enable networks to take greater risks, particularly with emerging writers who might find a 22-episode commitment daunting.

The discussion also touched upon the evolving pilot season, which is contracting but still considered vital by Cannon for testing concepts and cast chemistry. She contrasted this with 'straight-to-series' orders, which she likened to building an airplane mid-flight, as early episodes are filmed without the benefit of initial audience feedback.

Executives also addressed the impact of evolving formats, including short-form content and user-generated videos, on audience attention. They stressed the importance of compelling storytelling and selecting the appropriate format for each narrative, whether it be a film, a limited series, or a shorter episodic structure, to capture viewers effectively.