BBC (the tv channel) question

[status]

I have a question, why some, tv series are broadcasted in >6 episodes seasons?

Eg: Sherlock, IT Crowd, Marple.

 

[Harrison]

The BBC have always made short series of 4-6 episodes.

Actors often like this as it gives them the chance to make films for the rest of the year.

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[BrooksterMax]

Also many actors/producers prefer to end programmes in their prime/at the top rather than carrying on too long.

I know Ricky Gervais said that about the Office, the same with Fawlty Towers and Some Mothers do 'ave em.

 

[NinjaRabbit]

Though, of course, that artistic integrity from those creating and appearing doesn't prevent those same programmes from being coasted off of by the broadcaster in the form of repeated repeats for anything from a decade to half a century.

 

[danwood_uk]

I have a question, why some, tv series are broadcasted in >6 episodes seasons?

Eg: Sherlock, IT Crowd, Marple.

The I.T Crowd was on Channel 4 (a commercial broadcaster) though not the BBC. But yes, it's a common series length here in the UK, that's because we commission on a series basis, not seasons.

 

[RichyV]

Marple is broadcast by ITV, I believe...

We don't have long 'seasons' like they do in the US here in the UK, I guess through the lack of money being made available for the longer series in case of falling viewing-figures. Also, if the programmes themselves are longer (1-2 hours), the time taken to film is also very much extended over the 42mins given to programming in the US (generally). The actors tend also to be doing other work and are not always available for elongated runs of the same programme.

 

[Harrison]

The shows in general are also more complex to make than a US sitcom which just involves the same fixed sets every episode. It take a full film production to make something like Sherlock.

 

[SaviorX]

The shows in general are also more complex to make than a US sitcom which just involves the same fixed sets every episode. It take a full film production to make something like Sherlock.

not every US sitcom is Three's company....

err...Man About the House....

 

[Takkyu]

Yeah, I noticed this is more of a recent thing only because Top Gear used to be ~12 episodes and now is about ~6. I suspect the economy hiccup back in '08 also plays a major part in the various bbc series being shorter these days.

 

[-Acid-]

Yeah, I noticed this is more of a recent thing only because Top Gear used to be ~12 episodes and now is about ~6. I suspect the economy hiccup back in '08 also plays a major part in the various bbc series being shorter these days.

Not to mention the complete lack of ideas in Top Gear's case. The program used to be essential viewing for me but the last couple of years have turned into complete rubbish at times (with a few exceptions). They've basically ran out of things to do on the show, maybe they should just go back to reviewing cars?