Star Trek Producer Advocates for Longer Seasons in TV's Quick-Binge Era
Have you noticed how quick today’s television series rush through their stories? Classic Star Trek architect, Brannon Braga, equates these fleeting modern TV seasons to ‘Tinder relationships.’ Drawing a poignant comparison, he reminisces about the comforting longevity of series like Star Trek: Voyager, which had an impressive 26-episode run each year. Braga believes these longer formats foster enduring relationships with audiences.
The Golden Age of Episodic TV
Remember when Star Trek was more than just a show? It was a rendezvous with beloved characters every week. Braga, who penned over 100 episodes for various Star Trek series, evokes these days, comparing them to the current eight-episode norm that feels ephemeral and lacks the depth of bonds formed with classic series.
Streaming Era and Its ‘Swipe Left’ Sessions
Braga highlights the concise seasons of Star Trek’s streaming ventures, like Discovery in 2017 and Picard, which embraced a 10-episode format. It’s not just unique to Star Trek; contemporary TV shows universally face this trend as production budgets swell.
An Uncertain Future for Star Trek
While Braga hopes for a return to extended series, Paramount’s production strategies paint a different picture. With Strange New Worlds negotiating hard for a mere six-episode finale, a radical shift seems far-fetched. It reflects industry-wide dynamics where high production value has usurped lengthy narratives.
The Industry’s Evolving Dynamics
Star Trek’s transition mirrors a broad-era shift in storytelling. As the narrative landscape evolves, our watching habits may be transformed, but Braga’s call to action suggests a yearning for the ‘slow build’ of yesteryears. Will Star Trek — and its fans — ever embrace a marathon over a sprint again?
Join Brannon Braga in remembering the comfort of sprawling Star Trek seasons and ponder on its future: “Will classic storytelling make a return, or are we too captivated by our new, snappy routines?” According to IGN India, the evolution of TV shows reflects this dynamic interplay between industry constraints and viewer expectations.
