I think HBO had it right with their 13 episode shows. There’s just enough time for a rich, fulfilling arc, while not feeling rushed.

When it shrunk to 10, we managed it well, but always wanted one more episode. When it dropped to eight, suddenly there was no room to breathe.

Now with them creeping down to 6 & 7, I’m wondering why I even bother investing in a show.

TLOU is kind of frustrating. Season one had 10 episodes (two got squished together as a 90min pilot after they shot them, and that’s why it came out to 9). But season two’s seven measly episodes? Why adapt a show if you’re not even going to explore the story and characters in new ways? There’s no time to do that in seven episodes.

So yeah, when I watch these older shows like sopranos, wire, deadwood… I’m like “hell yeah, this is the sweet spot.” Oh add Andor to that list. 12 worked well for the structure of that show. Both seasons.