Thread: which do you prefer?

I like one big plot

its more fun, waiting for the next episode trying to find out whats happening

the only problem is that it doesn't have much replay value, like for reruns, since most people wont know whats going on

I think there should be some sort of continuous storyline.

The only shows I really watch are The Office and LOST, both of which have em.

I like a different story line; you won't have to worry about missing an episode because you won't be confused the next time you do catch an episode, and you have to worry about getting home by a certain time to see what happens on the next episode. And shows with a continuous story line to me is always dull, same thing over and over again, but having a different plot for each show makes it able to easily fit in new things. Plus repeats would probably be really boring because you would only be watching the show for what happens next? And you would already know. Plus comedy shows are more different plot for each show instead of continuous story, and I like comedy.

I prefer the big storyline one, but I still like the no-connection ones too. I also like the in between ones, where they make references to past events, but don't focus on them.

I think Star Trek: Enterprise did it well by having 1-2 seasons of mostly single plot eps, and then 1-2 seasons of a long, long storyline arc.

Either way, in general, it depends on how well it's done.

I'm all for a large plot. Keeps me coming back for more.

Unless the show is just amazing, then I'll continue to come back for more no matter what.

I agree with Stalin. I like how Enterprise had a section of eppisodic seasons and then large sotry arcs. Some times there were stand alone eppisodes in the story arc seaosn too. Its a nice balance.

My fav. TV show 'Stargate SG-1' is just 9 seasons (and counting) of one gigantic long story line. People who watch one episode every now and then are like "What the hell?!" and don't like it. Only hardcore fanatics like me appreciate it

God, SG-1 is pretty much the best series on television.
If only I still had Farscape. =[

I like a few one -off episodes and then a big plot for half the season, then go back to some small two parters.
Basically a mix.

I stopped watching dragon ball z a few years ago because I couldn't devote my life to seeing every single episode. I think shows with a huge, season-long storyline are garbage. It had better be one damn good storyline to justify making me sit on the couch at the exact same time every day to watch it. That's why I love watching shows like the simpsons, but wouldn't be caught dead watching rescue me or any other show that requires back-reading before watching a current episode.

That's why sitcoms are very good sources of income for TV. They are generally episodic in nature, require little to no character development (most characters are in sterotyped roles), and because of this it's easy to air re-runs.

i like them both, but i think a continuous story line has the highest entertainment value. i don't really watch shows on tv at all, i watch them on dvd. i rent them from netflix. this way, i see every single episode, in order, at my leisure. i think the best way to do it would be to have one giant story arc, with many single-shot episodes thrown in, or each episode has something to do with the overall story, and something to do with just that episode.

and justme, sometimes comedy can have overarching story lines. like "Arrested Development," one of the best comedies that was ever on tv, IMHO.

I like 'em both, but if I had to pick I think I'd choose the ones with long story arcs. I agree with some of the above posters who laud SG-1 -- it's a great series, and I've picked up the first 6 seasons on DVD. The only show that I'd say I like better is Battlestar Galactica, which also has a continuous story line.

Originally posted by TygrHawk
I like 'em both, but if I had to pick I think I'd choose the ones with long story arcs. I agree with some of the above posters who laud SG-1 -- it's a great series, and I've picked up the first 6 seasons on DVD. The only show that I'd say I like better is Battlestar Galactica, which also has a continuous story line.

Aha! I have the first 8 Seasons on DVD, bought illegaly from China over Ebay!
I liked Galactica at first, but it's lost its zing.