Are TV episodes becoming too long?

Recently there has been some criticism against longer run-times for TV episodes. Here is my take on the subject.

These days, it seems TV episodes are becoming longer and longer. For some, this may be a good thing, as it means they can see more of their favorite shows. However, there has been some backlash against these longer TV episodes. Recently, sites like Vulture have published pieces calling out these lengthy episodes. Arguments have been made that some TV episodes are overly long and tedious.

These longer episodes are usually not on cable TV (but can be), but are present a lot in streaming services and premium channels’ original content. Instead of a usual 42 minute episode, these episodes can be 60 plus minutes.

So, are TV episodes becoming too long? My take: Yes and no.

For some series, it makes sense for the episodes to be longer. For example, it makes sense for a show like Black Mirror to have over 60 minute long episodes because each episode follows a different story. Series such as American Horror Story and American Crime Story are fit to have longer episodes because they have to tell a complete story in one season.

However, American Crime Story has commercials, which is a factor in this debate. Though many commercials are annoying and unwatchable, commercial breaks provide the audience a chance to take a breath and reflect on what they just saw.

A series like Westworld could actually benefit from having commercials. With its twisty story lines and multiple timelines,  the audience could use a breather in between.

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However, a show could have a longer episode and no commercials and still keep the audience’s attention throughout. A great example of this is Atlanta’s “Teddy Perkins” episode. Last month, Atlanta aired a 35 minute episode (longer than its normal run-time) without commercials. The episode was tense from start to finish and never dragged. In fact, the episode was better without commercials. It added to the claustrophobic feeling of it.

What it comes down to is content. It is not how much time TV episodes use, rather how they use their time. The majority of Westworld‘s episodes run over 60 minutes, but not all of those 60 plus minutes are entertaining. There are a lot of scenes that drag throughout its first season. (I am saying this as a huge fan of the series.)

A perfect example of Westworld being too long and tedious was last Sunday’s episode “Virtù e Fortuna“. The episode had too much going on at once; it was confusing and frustrating at times. Also, the episode was dragged down by uninteresting and ultimately, lame battle sequences.

For a longer episode to work, there must be character development, engaging plot, and a focus on only one or a few story lines. Last week’s longer Westworld worked for these reasons. It took a break from some story lines to focus on other plots. It also provided some interesting backstory on characters.

Next: Westworld Season 2, episode 3 recap

The lengthier episodes of Black Mirror work not only because they focus on a singular story, but because those stories are, for the most, part, engaging. Black Mirror‘s “USS Callister” is 76 minutes long, but I was not bored once while watching it.

No matter how long or short an episode of television is, what makes lovable and highly watchable TV is quality.

Do you think TV episodes are becoming too long? Comment below!