Streaming shows across all major platforms are rolling out sophomore seasons with fewer episodes than their debut seasons. This trend is leaving fans with less content to savor, even as the gaps between seasons stretch longer.
The Big Picture: Streaming shows now cost as much as blockbuster films, making each episode a significant financial investment. Cutting episodes is a cost-saving measure for companies currently tightening their belts. But fewer episodes also mean less engagement, the lifeblood of streaming platforms. This balancing act has the potential to reshape how TV is made.
Behind the Scenes: Where did all the episodes go? Several high-profile shows, including Netflix’s The Diplomat, Hulu’s Tell Me Lies, AppleTV+’s Bad Sisters, and HBO’s House of the Dragon, have seen reduced episode counts for their second seasons, typically dropping by two or three episodes.
In some cases, this is a creative decision—as with The Diplomat—but more often, it’s a directive from the streamer. This is puzzling, given that companies typically push for more content to sustain subscriber interest.
What’s Driving This Trend?
- Cost-Cutting Mandates: With production budgets tightening, trimming episode counts offers a quick way to save money.
- Delayed Productions: Strikes and other industry disruptions have postponed filming schedules, leaving less time to produce full seasons.
- Localization Challenges: Dubbing episodes for global audiences can be time-intensive, further complicating release timelines.
Closing Credits
Audiences are already enduring 18-month to two-year waits for new seasons. A reduced episode count risks diminishing returns, especially when the hype doesn’t match the output. For example, Netflix’s Squid Game took over three years to release its second season, only to cut two episodes. If Squid Game underperforms in viewership metrics, it could signal a broader shift in strategy.
This trend may ultimately nudge the industry toward cheaper, more self-contained shows resembling the traditional broadcast model—ironic, considering that’s what streaming was supposed to disrupt.
