Ever noticed how a lot of new shows on streaming services barely hit the 10-episode mark? Popular shows in recent years like One Piece, The Last of Us, Invincible, The Boys, Squid Game, and many more all fit this conundrum. Compared to older TV series—especially ones from the ’90s or early 2000s—that ran for 20+ episodes a season, modern shows feel way shorter. It’s not your imagination. Streaming platforms have definitely changed the game when it comes to how shows are made and released. But why is that? Why are we getting less episodes per season these days? Well, there are a few big reasons—and they actually make a lot of sense when you break them down.
Production Quality Over Quantity
Streaming services want every episode to feel like a mini movie. That means top-notch visuals, big-name actors, detailed sets, and sometimes even movie-level special effects. But that kind of quality takes time and money. Instead of making 20 average-looking episodes, studios now pour their resources into fewer, higher-quality ones. Shows like The Mandalorian or Stranger Things look amazing, but you’re not getting 22 episodes a season with that level of production. It’s a trade-off—and for a lot of people, it’s worth it.
The Binge-Watching Factor
Let’s be real: we all binge-watch. Streaming services know this. Shorter seasons make it easier (and more tempting) to watch an entire show in one sitting or over a weekend. If a show has 6 to 10 episodes, you’re way more likely to finish it and feel satisfied. Long seasons can drag or feel like a commitment. Streaming platforms want to keep you hooked, not burned out. So fewer episodes actually help them win your attention—and keep it.
Creative Freedom for Writers
Back in the day, writers had to pad shows to fill out a network schedule. That’s when you’d get filler episodes that didn’t really move the story forward. But streaming services give creators a lot more freedom. If your story only needs 8 episodes to be told well, then 8 it is. No extra fluff. That kind of flexibility helps writers stay focused on the core story and avoid unnecessary detours. It’s better for the story—and better for the audience.
Actors and Directors Have Packed Schedules
These days, big-name talent is juggling TV, movies, and sometimes even Broadway or video games. Getting someone like Pedro Pascal or Zendaya to commit to 22 episodes a year? Not likely. But a short, punchy 6- to 10-episode season? Much more manageable. Shorter seasons make it easier to attract A-list talent because it’s less of a time commitment, and the quality of the project is usually higher, too.
Lower Risk, Higher Reward
Let’s talk money. Fewer episodes mean less upfront investment. That’s huge for platforms that are constantly experimenting with new shows. If a show flops after 6 episodes, it’s not as painful as losing money on a 20-episode season. Shorter seasons let streaming platforms take more creative risks with different genres or new creators. And if something becomes a hit? Great—they’ll renew it and maybe invest more next time.
It’s Just Cheaper, Plain and Simple
At the end of the day, making fewer episodes costs less. From sets and locations to post-production, every episode adds to the bill. And if streaming services can save money while still keeping viewers happy and engaged, it’s a no-brainer. It’s not just about saving money, though—it’s about being smart with where they spend it. So instead of making lots of okay content, they focus on making fewer, better episodes.
So yeah, while it might be a little frustrating to wait a whole year for just 8 new episodes of your favorite show, there’s a method to the madness. Streaming has changed the rules of TV, and honestly, it’s giving us shorter seasons that are tighter, better-looking, and often more satisfying than ever. Quality over quantity? It’s not such a bad deal.