Surface - just a one season show?

On the promo today for Surface while watching Will and Grace the promo
stated three more episodes for the series. I take it all will be wrapped
up at the end of the last episode? Was this planned as a one season only

David B...

I doubt that they knew they'd only get 15 episodes so it probably won't get
all wrapped up unless they got enough warning that episode 15 would be the
last.

show?

David B...

No, it wasn't.

I kind of want this series to be just a one season show - if it was
planned this way and all is wrapped up. .

I can't recall any series just aimming at being just one season. I know
other countries do this.

How about every year having a SF series that is planned on being just
one season long? That would be gutsy and innovative.

Of course the network could make a bundle on the DVD after.

Bill Steele...

The business model is that a show loses money in its network run, then
makes a bundle in syndication, but for that it has to run several years.

bdbryant...

What about miniseries? Are they expected to make money on the network
run due to all the extra hype?

If it's losing too much up front they cut bait. The BBC does one-season
shows because it's non-profit from the beginning. Then if a show happens
to be a huge hit they think up a reason for another season--see, for
example, the Black Adder generations.

But you may have a idea there. Syndication life for one-hour dramas is
limited--you can't strip them at 7 p.m. like sitcoms. A run or two on
Sci-Fi, then maybe Spike, and that's it. I suspect DVDs could produce
equivalent returns for a one-season show.

lionelhutz6...

I understand (or I believe I understand) the syndication business model
and I also agree that with the advent of DVD, the viability of single
season (or less) shows is increased.

However, American TV has had numerous successful mini-series that have
been promoted and done well (long before dvd.) In view of those, it
seems like the private networks could make short term series work.

Taylor...

Noooooooo way would they green light a one season series. They just saw
it was a dud and are trying to save face.

Russell Watson...

Amen. I almost swore off watching shows of this type for that reason
after "Earth 2" was reported to be renewed then got axed over the
summer break.

'97 FLSTF