The gap between Netflix‘s Stranger Things Season 1 and Season 5 will be nearly ten years by the time the latter is released. HBO’s Euphoria will have been off the air for three years by the time production starts in 2025. These examples indicate a growing trend in the television industry, with shows taking long breaks between seasons.

For most of TV history, long gaps between seasons were uncommon, with seasons returning within four to five months, stopping before summer and picking back up in the fall. In the past five years, many television show seasons have been delayed due to factors beyond the creators’ control. The COVID-19 pandemic and the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike only worsened these delays. However, now that things are largely back to normal, years-long breaks have become the norm. Fans have grown frustrated with this as by the time a show returns they’ve either forgotten about the events of the previous seasons or simply lose interest.

After such long hiatuses, shows like Stranger Things and Euphoria have risked losing the momentum and anticipation they once had from fans who have moved on. Shows that feature younger actors in starring roles may also face logistical challenges as the actors age out of their roles in the show. Viewers have pointed out the noticeable aging of the Stranger Things cast from the first to the most recent season, despite only a year or two passing in the show’s universe.

Fans also worry that the increased gaps (and increased anticipation) between seasons could make a show feel lackluster once it finally airs. For example, Bridgerton fans complained of long waits between seasons, although filming typically takes 8 months and each season consists of only around 8 episodes. Once Season 3 was finally released, some fans found it disappointing and not worth the wait.

So, TV shows are taking too long to return, but why? And what does this say about the current state of the industry?

Shows Are More Expensive

One of the main reasons why shows take longer between seasons is their costs. Big-budget TV shows with heavy CGI or A-list actors require longer production times. Scheduling the actors and coordinating their availability, as well as VFX availability, has made everything more complicated. It’s similar to film production, which typically takes longer. It’s not feasible for shows to be released twice a year considering the way they are being made now, especially those with more moving parts like a Sci-fi or Fantasy series.

The Streaming Model

In the current era of streaming, most of the top shows are available on streaming services. Unlike traditional television, shows on streaming platforms do not need to adhere to a set schedule. Additionally, these shows typically have fewer episodes and may be released all at once, as is the custom on platforms like Netflix. However, with this fairly new binge-watching format, the wait for the next season is going to be longer.

Broadcast TV Is Having Its Moment

People are beginning to experience streaming fatigue. One common issue with the streaming model is the lack of community one would get with viewing a TV show episode by episode. With all episodes released at once, viewers can finish a season at any time, with many viewers completing it in one day. The discussion around a show no longer happens week to week but rather happens a day after and lasts only a few days to a week before viewers move on.

ABC’s Abbott Elementary is a prime example of broadcast television’s resurgence in popularity. The show has a strong following, with a rapid four-season run over four years, each season consisting of around 20 episodes. This format provides viewers with a traditional television experience that many have been craving.

To attract and retain viewers, it’s important that more shows have longer seasons instead of just 8 episodes followed by a 2-year wait. Although it may be challenging considering current production methods, the current state of this industry, which many are growing impatient with, needs an update.