The old saying “Always leave ’em wanting more,” is being taken way too far by networks. More TV shows seem to be taking extra long mid-year breaks during winter, as networks seem to be experimenting with the traditional schedules of prime time TV.
Glee, Fox’s brand new TV sensation is taking a four month hiatus before it hits TV schedules in April, while others also taking lengthy breaks are Fringe and Lie to Me.
ABC too seems to going ahead with big breaks with two of its science fiction shows; FlashFoward and V. Both premiered in November, and now will not be back until the end of March.
Jeff Bader, program planning and scheduling topper, ABC, “The viewers are more used to it. It’s a case of scripted mirroring what alternative series do.”
Of course there are reality shows like Survivor, Dancing with the Stars and America’s Next Top Model that usually take long breaks and rightly so in the case of such reality series. They have varied casts and storylines which do not leave its audiences hanging on until the next episode.
Shows like Glee and FlashForward however ended the fall with a fair number of loose ends – which means the long wait will only build up a bigger demand when they actually return.
“This isn’t like any of us have discovered a magic formula. We stumble into most things. Out of necessity, each network in its own way has thought up creative ways to split up the 22-episode order. These long hiatuses are becoming a bit more normal,” said Preston Beckman, Fox sked guru.