I just don't understand why American tv has to take these breaks between episodes. Why oh why can they not just air a show at the same time, every week? Would it kill them? Because it's killing me.

It's the way they measure ratings. There are three big months for ratings, called "Sweeps" months, when they measure the ratings for local stations. The networks try to schedule original programing for those three months (November, February, and May) to help out their local affiliates. (That's also when the local stations do all their stunt programming, like news exposes on "The Dangers That Lurk Beneath Your Couch Cushions", and stuff like that.) So, out of 22 original episodes (for most shows) for the year, the networks burn up 12 for Sweeps, and another 4 in October when the new season starts. That leaves a grand total of 6 new episodes for December, January, March, and April.

And they do usually air the show every week at the same time, at least for established shows. It's just that you get reruns.

Jars,

we do not know how Locke became disabled.

So, out of 22 original episodes (for most shows) for the year, the networks burn up 12 for Sweeps, and another 4 in October when the new season starts. That leaves a grand total of 6 new episodes for December, January, March, and April.

It's all oh so very complicated. Why can't they work arond my schedule, dammit? I guess I've just been spoiled by British tv, where they film the entire series and then start airing it. Most of the time, at least.

I can see if you're going for 22 episodes, the idea of not committing to all 22 at once is quite appealing.

The landscape is changing. Maybe twice 13 will be the new 22.

The landscape is changing. Maybe twice 13 will be the new 22.

They will still schedule the 13 x 2 around Sweeps, though.

They will still schedule the 13 x 2 around Sweeps, though.

But there's nothing to prevent each 13 from being contiguous, is there?

Also, are the cable stations observing sweeps as assiduously?

Cable networks don't care, because Sweeps is only about local broadcast stations. So HBO will show all of the Sopranos in one shot.

Sweeps has nothing to do with the networks themselves. It's all about how much local stations can charge for their advertising, but it's in the network's interest to keep their affiliates happy.

How do the cable stations price their ads, then? They can set their own schedules?

BSG's first 13 worked well. F/X, USA, et al have seasons that I can never remember, but I do love the solid runs. As their programming gets more interesting, I'm loosening up my dependence.

The shorter, continuous run is becoming more popular, even on networks. Old workhorse shows like NYPD Blue have done "our season starts in January on purpose, which means no reruns till June," which is what Alias and 24 are pretty much doing this year. (I think 24 is still doing 24 episodes, or else it would be called 19 or something.)

I think it's only something they do for shows that are middling-to-poor in the ratings, but with a steady following.

I know Fox is doing 24 all in one go this season. And they bunched 4 episodes into one week. Maybe they're testing the waters on a different release strategy?

Of course, now that I think of it, outside of the original season 1 1st episode, that I think they showed twice, I don't think they've EVER had re-runs of 24. Am I remembering correctly?

Heh, x-post, natch.