Making a Shift: K-dramas to shorter seasons aimed at an audience with dwindling attention!
- lewishooper1
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Are audiences killing their favorite K-dramas by not paying enough attention? K-dramas are scrambling to shorten their seasons. We explain why this has been happening and how OTT (over-the-top) services are countering to compete for viewership.
Why are fans losing attention?
These days, most of us live our lives attached to our computers and smartphones, which are unending sources of distraction. Research has shown that over the past couple of decades people’s attention spans have shrunk in measurable ways. The internet and digital devices have affected our ability to focus, which makes multitasking so stressful, this includes watching long movies and series.
Can making drama series shorter, re-attract viewers?
Currently, the format for K-dramas is to showcase around sixteen episodes per series, however, due to fans loosing attention and therefore tuning out rather than tuning into a show, producers are considering re-formatting their traditional ways. In a desperate bid looking at producing around ten or twelve episodes per series, shows hoping that viewers will become more engaged while still be able to reflect society through a quicker storyline.
This has been tested before
In the past, some dramas would last a total of twenty four episodes, which in more recent time have been reduced to twenty. Although this worked at the time, further changes are now need to be made thanks to the binge watching culture which rapidly evolved over the COVID-19 pandemic.
What will the new format look like?
Disney+'s Unmasked and The Potato Lab are both 12-episode series and a prime example of this new series format. KBS have also recently announced that their new romance-themed Drama Special would follow the same format. Some series, like Good Girl Boo Semi, have gone even shorter with just 10 episodes.
Too much competition
Social media has played what some would call the biggest part in audiences loosing their concentration level. Reels, shorts and other short form videos are at the forefront of how many people spend their time. Since most of these videos are only 30 seconds long at best, many viewers have preferred to watch shorts rather than long series or movies.
This mixed with the rise in online streaming platforms have also played a part in the shift. The high demand for short form story telling has also gained global popularity with fans through online web drams and social media videos.
Is there an advantage of the new series format?
A great advantage of the shorter format is that the television companies are still able to keep their main viewer base, as well as spending less on production fees which are typically acquired through longer series.
Even with just a small number of episodes some of the OTT providers are still able to make a lasting impact and viewers have shown a preference in shorter dramas.
Are there any challenges?
However, the trend toward shorter seasons is not without challenges. Production companies face revenue losses due to fewer episodes, and broadcasters struggle with reduced ad revenue as popular shows conclude quickly. Filling programming slots becomes a greater challenge, as shorter seasons demand more frequent replacements. While seasonal extensions are an option, there is no guarantee that a second season will achieve the same success as the first.
Our thoughts
At the end of the day, this move towards a shorter season reinforces the competitive nature of the industry, where only high-quality content will stand out and succeed. What do you think?
Do you think K-dramas can survive by shortening their series? Drop a comment and let us know!
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