Part of the problem is our expectations of television in the US- on the part of the audience and of the networks both. We think in terms of the ongoing, open ended series. Anything finite is labeled a ‘miniseries,’ yet some shows might be better off if they were created with a specific end in sight. A prime example is TWIN PEAKS. They started strong, and really lost their support. Had they worked toward the resolution of their primary storyline and wrapped, I think they could have gone out on top. The UK model seems better. Make a set number of episodes, and then, if the show does really well, consider renewing it for another set number, and so on.
Part of the problem is our expectations of television in the US- on the part of the audience and of the networks both. We think in terms of the ongoing, open ended series. Anything finite is labeled a ‘miniseries,’ yet some shows might be better off if they were created with a specific end in sight. A prime example is TWIN PEAKS. They started strong, and really lost their support. Had they worked toward the resolution of their primary storyline and wrapped, I think they could have gone out on top. The UK model seems better. Make a set number of episodes, and then, if the show does really well, consider renewing it for another set number, and so on.