The Long Wait for New TV Seasons: Why Are Shows Taking Longer to Debut?
The rise of streaming has altered the television landscape forever, and while there are more shows to choose from, it seems to be taking longer and longer for new seasons to debut. Gone are the days of networks releasing new TV seasons with more than 20 episodes every year. It's not unusual for platforms like Netflix, Max, and Prime Video to take two or more years between outings, leaving viewers with 10 or fewer episodes to hold them over. In some cases, it takes streaming services and television networks even longer to turn new seasons around. While one might assume this timeline is reserved for series that don't do well, there are some surprising shows that have yet to release new content. Even the most popular TV series aren't guaranteed quick follow-ups, and the wait for certain titles has been shocking.
Squid Game Season 2 - TBA
Squid Game proved a massive hit in 2021, and this outcome seemed like something of a surprise for Netflix. The series was a pop culture phenomenon, and it was inevitably renewed for season 2. However, years later, Squid Game season 2 has yet to be given a release date — a shocking development considering the success of the first outing. Even stranger, Netflix greenlit and released a Squid Game reality show that didn't see nearly as much traction. One has to wonder why the streamer hasn't prioritized Squid Game season 2 more, especially if it had time to dedicate to reality competition spinoffs like Squid Game: The Challenge.
Squid Game Front Man and Gi-Hun
The long wait for Squid Game season 2 has left fans eagerly anticipating the continuation of the story, but with no definite release date in sight, the suspense continues to build. This delay raises questions about the production process, the impact of the pandemic, and the streamer's strategic decisions in scheduling new seasons.
Contestant 001, an old man, grins maliciously in Squid Game.
Arcane Season 2 - November 2024
Arcane was a quieter hit for Netflix than Squid Game, but the animated League of Legends series was well-received upon its debut. It even has a 100% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 96% audience score, a testament to how many subscribers enjoyed it. To be fair, it's one of the most interesting series Netflix has released in recent years. However, the fact that Arcane season 2 won't arrive until November 2024 doesn't bode well for its future. There's a lot of potential for more seasons and spinoffs set in the world of Arcane. It's surprising Netflix isn't capitalizing on this and trying to get new seasons out faster.
Jinx side by side Vi in Arcane
The delay in the release of Arcane season 2 has sparked conversations about the challenges of producing an animated series of such high quality and complexity. Fans are eager to see the continuation of the story and the development of the characters, but the extended wait has left them wondering about the reasons behind the prolonged timeline.
Callum Keith Rennie as Captain Rayner and Eve Harlow as Moll and Elias Toufexis as L'ak
Star Trek: Discovery Season 5 - April 2024
While Netflix shows often take a long time between seasons, Star Trek: Discovery season 5's 2024 release date is unusual after previous seasons premiered pretty regularly. The show debuted back in 2017, with its first outing running into 2018. Seasons 2 and 3 aired during 2019 and from 2020 to 2021, respectively. Season 4 brought fans through 2021 and 2022, but Star Trek: Discovery season 5 has taken a bit longer to materialize. This could be because it's the final season, and CBS is hoping to ramp up excitement and ensure a high-quality batch of episodes. However, there's been no definitive explanation for Star Trek: Discovery season 5's delay.
Star Trek: Discovery Season 5 - April 2024
The anticipation for Star Trek: Discovery season 5 has led to discussions about the challenges of concluding a beloved series and the expectations for a satisfying finale. Fans are eagerly awaiting the resolution of the storylines and the fates of their favorite characters, but the extended wait has raised questions about the reasons behind the delay.
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