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.

I don't think they've EVER had re-runs of 24. Am I remembering correctly?

24 reruns on FX, though, doesn't it?

24 has bad ratings? I know Alias needs all the help it can get, but I thought that 24 was a good performer by FOX standards.

Alias also hasn't run straight through -- my understanding is that not only will there be no 24 reruns, there also won't be any gaps.