A big swing is important, sure. But as we all know, impressions fizzle out. For shows, an all-important season two seals the deal of their survival.
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One would assume that it takes a great beginning to set the tone of an amazing show, but that isn’t always the case. While it certainly weighs heavily on how the narrative of the series will progress, a strong showing during the first season doesn’t always guarantee golden stars. In fact, a handful of great fragments of television have been panned critically and commercially in its debut, with the likes of The Office, Parks and Recreation, and even Breaking Bad making up that list. On the flip side, there are those that start off brilliantly and then fizzle out almost immediately. Basically anything Ryan Murphy falls under this category (i.e., Glee, Scream Queens, and even the clunky American Horror Story), but other noteworthy shows include True Blood, Heroes, and Lost. Needless to say, a season two is a necessary litmus test on what makes a compelling run for a TV show.
For premises that start off on the wrong foot, season two is an opportunity to recalibrate, reassess, and rectify what didn’t work during the first run. In psychology, there is called the sophomore slump, where studies state it to be a drawn out period of confusion and stupor for students across the board, especially in academics, relationships, emotions, and the like, causing one to buckle under the pressure and burdens. A phenomenon that occurs especially in music, this is precisely what the concept of a season two in entertainment offers, a second chance if you will.
Meanwhile if it happens to be brilliant out of the gate, the follow up is where creators, showrunners, and writers stake their claim in TV history, proving that their work isn’t a fluke, especially with all eyes watching. There’s really no guarantee, especially with a market that seesaws between particular and fickle-minded is helplessly inundated with choices and very little wiggle room to possibly consume it all.
Now Watching: Season Two
Unlike other critical circumstances, and of the solutions to assuage such, season two for a show on television or on a streaming platform determines if it is watchable and worthy of attention. Not many merit the luxury of second chance to prove otherwise, so this is the point to make things matter, and fast.
A necessary frame to really make a case after finding its footing and fully figuring out what it essentially wants to be for the viewers. This is the carved out space in the competitive landscape of entertainment where creators and even the actors can really flesh out the series, manage expectations, and build its base of followers. (Let’s admit it, the latter can really make or break a show.)
While many look at the first season for survival, it is in season two that seals the fate of the show. Whether it is to live up to a stellar introduction and the expectations that come along with it or finding its stride, this is the turning point that sets apart the greats that cannot be missed. A big and strong swing is imperative, sure. But it is the follow through that will make people keep on watching, hopefully until it sticks the landing in the end—but that’s a whole other story.
With season two on the horizon, these TV shows are set to prove why there are worth your time.
BRIDGERTON
EMILY IN PARIS
EUPHORIA
LOVE LIFE
LOVE, VICTOR
MODERN LOVE
TED LASSO
THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT
THE MORNING SHOW
THE WITCHER
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