Sci-Fi News and Reviews

'Jericho' Takes a Long Break

CBS announced that their freshman Sci-Fi offering, 'Jericho', will be taking a thirteen week break following its November 29th episode. This is similar to ABC's 'Lost', which is also going on a thirteen week hiatus.

The networks created this new strategy in response to the criticism that they received over the amount of repeat episodes that occur during the TV season. 'Lost' and 'Jericho' are running 7-10 consecutive episodes and then taking a long break before airing another stretch of consecutive episodes to complete the season. Typically, a show will include between 22 to 24 episodes in a season. This strategy allows the networks to include an extra show - the recap - which will air just prior to the second set of episodes. With such a long break, the networks are obiligated to air that type of show to remind the viewers of what's going on. In addition, the network can time the episodes to land in their most important viewing periods.

To keep viewers interested, ABC has decided to air sneak peaks of 'Lost' during 'Day Break' - the show that will be filling the timeslot during the hiatus. CBS is taking a slightly different tack, concentrating on using their 'Innertube' service to stream 'Jericho' episodes to the fanbase. They are also reportedly integrating new original content into the show's website.

I was considering spewing a huge tirade against these huge show breaks. Heck, we have barely had enough time to get invested in the season - and now its done! Upon further reflection, I realized that we caused this. We caused this by our complaints about the ever-present 'Lost' rerun (see Is Lost a Repeat?) So, this is what we get. The networks want to have their big guns at the start of the new fall season and for sweeps. To do that, there has to be a massive break between show airings.

I'm still not happy about it. But, on the bright side, I am looking forward to 'Day Break'...

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Posted by Fred on November 9, 2006 11:03 AM
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