TV (Producers) on the Radio

Lost producers Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse were on WBUR's OnPoint program yesterday with some interesting insight into the past and future of the show. You can listen to the entire interview here.

What I found most interesting in the conversation was the discussion of the producers' negotiations with ABC to define an end date for the series and the viability of Lost-type shows (i.e. serialized dramas based on a story with a defined end) in the future. Cuse and Lindelof seem to think the networks might be willing to move in that direction (however slowly) as they become more comfortable with alternate forms of viewing (iPods, Internet, DVR, etc.). This would be a huge shift in the television business model, which basically develops shows to go on indefinitely so the networks can squeeze out as much revenue as possible. After decades of operating in such a manner, I'm sure it seems scary to turn around and start saying a series is only going to last so many episodes or seasons. And while the network suits are always loathe to slaughter a cash cow, what's better: huge ratings for a few years, or slowly eroding ratings coupled with an exodus of viewers to other networks?

Adding a few series with specific ends to their stories, and thus limited runs, would go along way to keeping what's on a given network fresh, building some credibility with viewers, and ensuring that they keep watching what that network puts in front of them. It's a gutsy move, but the payoff in the long term seems worth it, almost like creating a brand loyalty for a network.

I've written about this before in these posts, but imagine how awesome Smallville could have been if the creators and network agreed it would only be a four year run culminating with Clark's graduation. It would have meant less filler, less unresolved story threads, less instances of the characters turning into caricatures, and probably higher ratings since it would have been a less frustrating show.

Lost is my favorite show right now, and frankly I can't wait to hear when it will end.