Episode Amount

[adamclark83]

In each series, I have noticed that there are different amounts of episodes per series. Was there a reason for this? I am not complaining, I am just curious. Personally, the more the merrier.

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

It's general rule for 6 eppys to pop up during each Series. 7 if there is a Christmas show.
Maybe if the show is very popular and nothing is planned to take over after it's 6 show run, they can pop an extra one or two in ????

[Mr. Rust of Audio-Visuals]

Probably lots of factors...how many scripts the writers could finish, availability of actors and shooting space, and how many episodes the BBC was interesting in getting.

[cpl.er...Capt. Joe]

It's that silly BBC.

They only would fund a handfull of shows before deciding to fund another six or so.

I don't know what it is like in Australia, but in the USA, new shows are usually funded for 13 (a half season) their first year and a full season (26-27) after that.

That is also why American series get so lame so quick -- they run out of ideas too quickly and have to fill too many scripts with tired ideas in one year.

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

but in the USA, new shows are usually funded for 13 (a half season) their first year and a full season (26-27) after that.

That is also why American series get so lame so quick -- they run out of ideas too quickly and have to fill too many scripts with tired ideas in one year.

Couldn't agree with you more Capt. Joe !!

[sonosun]

It's general rule for 6 eppys to pop up during each Series. 7 if there is a Christmas show.
Maybe if the show is very popular and nothing is planned to take over after it's 6 show run, they can pop an extra one or two in ????

The first two seasons had five episodes each and the third one had nine. That averages just over 6 per season.:lol:

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

With the rerun of the Pilot eppy there were 6 in the first Season. :p

[sonosun]

With the rerun of the Pilot eppy there were 6 in the first Season. :p

Sorry Reruns don't count.:lol:

[Dean]

Everyone makes good guesses, but it would be interesting to actually know for sure, wouldn't it. For example, season one with five shows does seem an odd number. Is there a possibility one show was rejected... and could still be sitting on a shelf unplayed...???

okay I know tis not very likely but I can dream... :)

[offthefloor]

It's that silly BBC.

They only would fund a handfull of shows before deciding to fund another six or so.

I don't know what it is like in Australia, but in the USA, new shows are usually funded for 13 (a half season) their first year and a full season (26-27) after that.

That is also why American series get so lame so quick -- they run out of ideas too quickly and have to fill too many scripts with tired ideas in one year.

Well by that logic..AYBS should have lasted 20 years then...but it only had 69 episodes before the producers felt like they ran out of ideas...and in later years many of the episodes were recycled versions of early ones....American sitcoms that have success typically last at least 5 years with about 90 episodes, and those are usually about 95% original....so don't act like british tv is so much better only because they have shorter series, doesn't mean its better in all cases

[Greg WibblyWobbly]

American sitcoms usually have a room full of writers as well. That there alone can keep ideas fresh.
AYBS? only ever had Lloyd and Croft and on at least 3 occations Michael Knowles.

[Dean]

Great point Wibbly!