Let’s face it, the K-drama scene is not like how it used to be. Before, viewers used to be treated to all kinds of different genres at once. From romance, to action, to healing. Now, once a drama becomes popular, it sets the pace for every other drama coming out thereafter. Nevertheless, viewers are now beginning to shift towards wanting shorter, fast-paced drama series than the traditional sixteen to twenty-episode series. But why?
Well, the major shift comes from the platforms on which these dramas are now airing. Before, dramas could only be viewed from major broadcasting stations such as KBS, SBS, and MBC. However, with the influx of streaming sites like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu, it has changed the way in which audiences consume content.
Additionally, the faster-paced storytelling means there’s no screen time for filler episodes, dragging out plots, or repetitive and confusing flashbacks. With fewer episodes, it forces the writers to keep the story lines simple and to the point.
Of course, you also cannot omit the fact that the attention span of viewers has decreased, with less patience for slow-burning romances. If you don’t hook the audience early, then it’s likely that viewers will not continue with the series. So shorter series reduce the risk of viewer disinterest by trying to get the audience’s attention within the first one or two episodes.
But with shorter dramas, it also comes at a cost, for there leaves less room for proper character development and world building. The longer series allows screenwriters to develop more character arcs and slower burn relationships, so often with shorter series, viewers may feel towards the latter half that there seems to be something missing. Furthermore, with shorter series comes less time for emotional investment. The feeling that you won’t be able to spend your weekends with these characters that you have developed a personal connection with it’s a bittersweet feeling.
So are shorter series better? Depends, but as it seems like that’s what viewers want more and more of as each new drama series airs, let’s hope that despite the shorter episodes that viewers are treated to a more well-thought-out plot!
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