NBC shortens 'Heroes' seasons

[WyldeMan45]

Expect shorter seasons of NBC's struggling sci-fi show from here on out; how will this affect its two-volume seasons?

Word has already gotten out that NBC will be bringing back Heroes for a fourth season, but things may look a little different when all is said and done. NBC is looking to cut back on the episode count of Heroes when it returns next year, says Adage, citing the economy and a growing trend of shorter seasons.

Heroes had been the beneficiary of a super-sized season this cycle, with 25 episodes ordered by the network. But that should trim down to 18 to 20 next season, as NBC's one-time love affair with Sylar and buddies has faded since a worrisome ratings drop-off and the economy forces networks to cut corners any chance they get.

While this would simply mean less hours for a normal show, Heroes likes to do things a little different. The show squeezed two independent mini-seasons (called Volumes) into this season, one taking 12 episodes, the other taking the remainder. It's unclear whether Heroes will try a two-fer with fewer episodes next season.

The notion of a shorter season shouldn't be too surprising. Cable loves to go with shorter seasons for its original programs, and major networks have been experimenting with shorter seasons for their broadcasts. Personally, I think many dramas--particularly serialized shows--suffer creatively with longer seasons and I welcome these new truncated seasons with open arms occupied by tubs of popcorn and remote controls.

What are your thoughts?

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