Celebrating the Best of Television: 10 Great TV Shows with 20+ Episode Seasons

Shorter seasons of 8-13 episodes have become the norm, offering concise narratives and attracting A-list actors to TV projects. However, some older shows make a compelling case for why 20+ episode seasons worked so well. Let’s explore how extended episodes can foster deeper character connections and allow for more intricate storytelling in classic TV shows.

Table of Contents

The Rise of Shortened TV Seasons

Shortened television seasons, typically ranging from 8 to 13 episodes, have gained popularity, especially in the era of streaming platforms. These shorter formats offer several advantages, including:

Eliminating Filler: Short seasons are often more tightly structured, with less filler content, resulting in a more engaging viewing experience.
Concise Narratives: With fewer episodes, shows can maintain a focused storyline without unnecessary detours or subplots.
Attracting Movie Stars: A-list actors are increasingly drawn to television projects, attracted by the shorter time commitment compared to traditional 20+ episode seasons.

The Enduring Appeal of 20+ Episode Seasons

While shorter seasons have become mainstream, some classic TV shows thrived with 20+ episode formats, allowing for:

Deeper Character Connections: Extended seasons provide ample time for character development, allowing audiences to form meaningful connections with the cast.
Ensemble Development: Shows with large ensemble casts, like Lost and Supernatural, benefit from extended episodes, as each character receives adequate attention and development.

Let’s dive into 10 great TV shows that exemplify the power of 20+ episode seasons in creating compelling narratives and unforgettable characters.

10. Lost (2004-2010)

YouTube Views: 514 million

Release Date: September 22, 2004

Cast: Evangeline Lilly, Naveen Andrews, Henry Ian Cusick, Daniel Dae Kim, Harold Perrineau, Dominic Monaghan, Emilie de Ravin, Jorge Garcia, Josh Holloway, Michael Emerson, Terry O’Quinn, Matthew Fox, Ken Leung, Elizabeth Mitchell, Yunjin Kim

The serialized drama Lost captivated audiences with its intricate plot and well-developed characters. While not every season had 20+ episodes, the show’s best seasons benefited from the extended format, allowing for deep character exploration and captivating storylines. Despite occasional filler episodes, Lost revolutionized television storytelling, proving that masterful narratives can thrive in long-season formats.

9. Gilmore Girls (2000-2007)

YouTube Views: 529 million

Release Date: October 5, 2000

Cast: Lauren Graham, Scott Patterson, Sean Gunn, Keiko Agena, Matt Czuchry, Alexis Bledel, Yanic Truesdale, Kelly Bishop, Melissa McCarthy, Edward Herrmann, Liza Weil, Jared Padalecki, Milo Ventimiglia

Gilmore Girls, with its charming mother-daughter relationship at its core, flourished with seven long seasons. Audiences grew attached to the characters of Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, enjoying their journey over numerous episodes. While the series experienced some decline in later seasons, the extended format allowed for meaningful character arcs and memorable moments, culminating in a top-rated finale in season 7.

8. Supernatural (2005-2020)

YouTube Views: 537 million

Release Date: September 13, 2005

Cast: Jensen Ackles, Misha Collins, Jim Beaver, Jared Padalecki, Katie Cassidy, Lauren Cohan, Mark A. Sheppard, Mark Pellegrino, Alexander Calvert

Supernatural followed the thrilling adventures of brothers Sam and Dean Winchester over 15 seasons and 300 episodes. While the sheer episode count may seem daunting, the show’s loyal fanbase appreciated the character-driven storytelling and enduring bond between the protagonists. Even standalone episodes added depth to the Winchester brothers’ journey, making each season a joy to binge for dedicated viewers.

7. Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)

YouTube Views: 1.01 billion

Release Date: March 10, 1997

Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Nicholas Brendon, Alyson Hannigan, Anthony Head, James Marsters, Emma Caulfield Ford, Michelle Trachtenberg

Buffy The Vampire Slayer combined overarching narratives with standout standalone episodes, captivating audiences with its blend of supernatural elements and relatable characters. Despite airing over twenty years ago, the show remains relevant, thanks to its timeless themes and emotionally resonant storytelling. Each extended season of Buffy allowed for effective character development and engaging plotlines, ensuring its enduring popularity.

6. Friday Night Lights (2006-2011)

YouTube Views: 1.18 billion

Release Date: October 3, 2006

Cast: Kyle Chandler, Connie Britton, Zach Gilford, Minka Kelly, Taylor Kitsch, Aimee Teegarden, Adrianne Palicki

Friday Night Lights captured the essence of small-town life and high school football with its authentic portrayal of the fictional town of Dillon, Texas. While only the first season had over 20 episodes, it stands out as a prime example of utilizing an extended format to establish a rich ensemble of characters. The show’s honest depiction of human relationships and struggles resonated with audiences, making it a beloved drama series.

5. The O.C. (2003-2007)

YouTube Views: 1.39 billion

Release Date: August 5, 2003

Cast: Peter Gallagher, Kelly Rowan, Benjamin McKenzie, Adam Brody, Mischa Barton, Rachel Bilson, Melinda Clarke, Tate Donovan

The O.C. was a cultural phenomenon in the 2000s, appealing to both young adults and older audiences with its blend of teen drama and adult themes. The show’s 20+ episode seasons allowed for extensive character development, with a focus on both the central teens and adult characters. By effectively utilizing its ensemble cast, The O.C. maintained its relevance throughout its run, offering something for everyone in each season.

4. 24 (2001-2010)

YouTube Views: 1.49 billion

Release Date: November 6, 2001

Cast: Kiefer Sutherland, Elisha Cuthbert, Dennis Haysbert, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Carlos Bernard

24 innovatively used its 24-episode format to craft a uniquely intense narrative, with each season representing 24 hours in real-time. Despite its aging elements, the show’s pacing and utilization of the extended season format remain exemplary. By maintaining relentless suspense and high-stakes action throughout each season, 24 kept audiences on the edge of their seats, cementing its status as a groundbreaking action thriller.

3. The X-Files (1993-2018)

YouTube Views: 1.54 billion

Release Date: September 10, 1993

Cast: David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Robert Patrick, Annabeth Gish, Mitch Pileggi

The X-Files captivated audiences with its iconic blend of paranormal investigations and complex character dynamics. Over 11 seasons, the show utilized its extended format to deliver a slow-burning narrative, allowing for the gradual development of the central relationship between Agents Mulder and Scully. By expanding its mythology and exploring new paranormal phenomena, The X-Files maintained its status as a riveting television experience.

2. Seinfeld (1989-1998)

YouTube Views: 1.98 billion

Release Date: July 5, 1989

Cast: Jerry Seinfeld, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Michael Richards, Jason Alexander

Seinfeld stands as a testament to the comedic potential of extended seasons, with its unparalleled wit and humor permeating each episode. While the first two seasons were shortened, the show truly hit its stride with longer seasons, allowing for intricate comedic plots and memorable character interactions. Season 4, in particular, showcased the show’s mastery of the sitcom format, with a hilarious overarching meta plot that delighted audiences.

1. The Simpsons (1989-)

YouTube Views: 2.15 billion

Release Date: December 17, 1989

Cast: Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria, Harry Shearer

The Simpsons remains a cultural phenomenon, with its early seasons standing as classics of television comedy. The show’s extensive episode count allowed for consistent humor and innovative storytelling, making nearly every episode a memorable experience. By blending emotional depth with laugh-out-loud humor, The Simpsons established itself as a landmark in American pop culture, ensuring its enduring legacy for generations to come.

Conclusion

While shortened television seasons have become the norm in modern television, classic shows like Lost, The Simpsons, and Seinfeld demonstrate the enduring appeal of longer formats. By leveraging extended episode counts, these shows created rich, immersive worlds populated by unforgettable characters and captivating storylines. Whether exploring supernatural mysteries, small-town dramas, or sitcom shenanigans, these great TV shows prove that more can indeed be merrier when it comes to television storytelling.