Why do tv shows take so long to make now

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: TV shows now take longer to produce due to increased visual effects, higher production values, and complex scheduling. For example, the final season of 'Game of Thrones' took over 10 months to film in 2018-2019, compared to typical 3-4 month shoots in the 1990s. Streaming services like Netflix often release entire seasons at once, requiring all episodes to be completed before launch, unlike weekly network TV. Additionally, shows now average 8-10 episodes per season instead of 22-24, allowing more time per episode for quality.

Key Facts

The final season of 'Game of Thrones' (2019) took over 10 months to film, with episodes costing $15 million each
Streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime spend $100-$200 million per season on shows like 'The Crown' or 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power'
TV seasons have shortened from 22-24 episodes in the 1990s to 8-10 episodes now, increasing production time per episode
Post-production for shows with heavy VFX (like 'Stranger Things') can take 6-12 months after filming wraps
The COVID-19 pandemic added 2-4 months to production timelines due to safety protocols starting in 2020

Overview

Television production timelines have expanded significantly since the 1990s, when network shows typically filmed 22-24 episode seasons over 8-9 months with relatively simple production values. The shift began in the early 2000s with premium cable series like HBO's 'The Sopranos' (1999-2007), which featured cinematic quality and complex storytelling over 13-episode seasons. The rise of streaming services in the 2010s accelerated this trend, with platforms like Netflix (founded 1997, streaming launched 2007) and Amazon Prime Video (launched 2006) investing heavily in original content. By 2022, the average drama series took 12-18 months from pre-production to release, compared to 6-9 months in the 1990s. This change reflects evolving viewer expectations, technological advancements, and new distribution models that prioritize quality over quantity.

How It Works

Modern TV production involves multiple extended phases that contribute to longer timelines. Pre-production now includes extensive visual effects planning, with shows like 'The Mandalorian' (2019-present) using Industrial Light & Magic's StageCraft technology requiring months of virtual set design. Filming schedules have expanded due to location shoots across multiple countries (e.g., 'The Crown' films in the UK, Spain, and South Africa), complex action sequences requiring weeks of rehearsal, and COVID-19 protocols adding testing and isolation periods. Post-production has become particularly time-consuming, with high-end shows dedicating 6-12 months to visual effects, sound design, and color grading—'Stranger Things' Season 4 (2022) had over 2,500 VFX shots taking nearly a year to complete. Additionally, streaming's binge-release model means all episodes must be finished before launch, unlike network TV's weekly episodes that could be edited while earlier ones aired.

Why It Matters

Longer production timelines impact both the television industry and viewers. For studios, extended schedules increase costs but can yield higher returns through awards recognition and subscriber retention—Netflix's 'The Crown' won 21 Emmys partly due to its meticulous production. For creators, more time allows for artistic refinement but creates challenges with actor availability and budget management. Viewers experience higher-quality visuals and storytelling but face longer waits between seasons, with gaps of 18-24 months now common for popular shows. This shift has also affected employment in the industry, with crew members working fewer but longer projects, and has enabled global production hubs like Vancouver and Budapest to thrive by accommodating complex shoots.