I’m inclined to agree with her. Friday Night Lights has had a fantastic creative run so far, one of the strongest of any network drama in recent memory. I can’t wait to get junkie-level, absolutely-can’t-miss hooked again when season 4 premieres. But consider how much cast upheaval FNL already saw last season, with so many core characters graduating or otherwise leaving Dillon High. Two seasons from now, I can only assume many of the replacement characters from season 4 will be facing that same crossroads. And while I’d love to see Britton and Kyle Chandler (pictured) mentoring an infinite series of new high-schoolers for years to come, I expect the end of season 5 will make a natural stopping point for the characters we’ve gotten to know. Besides, I’ll count us lucky to have gotten even five full seasons of a show with ratings as (undeservedly) dicey as FNL’s.
But what do you think? Will you be happy with five seasons from Friday Night Lights, or do you wish this show could go on forever?
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I’m happy with five seasons, especially given the fact that (as Simon mentioned) the show’s ratings didn’t necessarily justify bringing it back. NBC DESERVEDLY gets a lot of flak for their scheduling (Leno 5X a week in prime time? Really?) but they got this one right.
I generally like the idea of shows knowing when they’re going to end years ahead of time, giving their writers plenty of time to end it properly and not worry about having to indefinitely stretch things out (kinda like how that last sentence stretched out).
This is a specifically good thing for “Friday Night Lights”, given the fact that keeping some of our beloved high school students (and the actors pushing 30 who play them) could push the limit of credibility. LOVE this show…I’m happy that it’ll be around (and confident that it will be GREAT!) for two more years.
I was thrilled when FNL got renewed for 2 more seasons and while I would miss it, I can see a natural end after 5 seasons. No reason to drag a show on and on until it gets so ridiculous that fans can’t stand it anymore. And I agree that knowing ahead of time when a show will be ending (like “Lost”) gives the writers time to come to a stunning and satisfying conclusion.
I love this show, and am already saddened to know who isn’t coming back full-time next season. However, I think 5 seasons will give it a natural finishing point. The show is mainly about the Taylor family, and if by the end of the fifth season, Julie has gone to college, the family can make the decision whether to stay in Dillon forever or move on.
I’m completely torn. I’d hate to give up something so great, but even though the Taylors are my favorite, I don’t know if they’re enough to keep me. It really depends on whether the new high schoolers are just as likeable (loveable?) and as well-drawn as the characters they’re replacing.
In any case, I’m just so thrilled we’re guaranteed two more seasons. Each year we were lucky just to get another one, and now we’ll end up with at least five!
Without question one of the best shows on tv and my personal favorite, I am also okay with it ending aftet five seasons. That’s more than we ever hoped for, it will make me less anxious about renewal when the two seasons would have been up, and we’ll get the best writing the show has to offer! Can’t wait for a fantastic ending to a fantastic show.
Five seasons works…East Dillon wins the state championship or loses in the finals, and then Eric gets an offer to coach college (oldest daughter will be out of HS by season 5)-perhaps even coach Smash or Riggins at their respective schools, OR an offer to coach professional…an offer that is brought to him by Jason Street, now doing well as a sports agent in NYC…
I KNOW it’s probably for the best, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it. Crafting the end two years ahead of time gives a series the kind of focus that can really seal its spot in the lexicon of great dramas. But it is also my favorite drama, maybe ever, so I will hate to see it go. It is just gorgeous. The acting, the production style, the writing, the celebration of small town America in a big city world. It is priceless, and a stunning ending will only make me miss it more.
I don’t understand this show. DOn’t get me wrong, I don’t want it to be cancelled, I’m sure it’s a great show, and I’m thrilled to see how well it’s done despite terrible ratings. But after all these years of near cancellations shouldn’t they be happy to end the show this season? Why not settle for one season?
As a fan of many prematurely canceled shows I would hate to see these writers or stars planning for two more years then get canceled after this current season.
As always, this show is a class act and that includes knowing when to end. (When people still love you!)
I’d rather see the show bow out gracefully, when its has a realistic target to work toward, than continue just for the sake of it.
Other classic shows like The Wire and Six Feet Under did the same thing and this only elevated their appeal to fans. And FNL is very much in that league.
But let’s not mourn their loss yet! We still have two no-doubt brilliant seasons to look forward to over the next couple of years! And thank heavens for that….
I think 5 seasons is a reasonable life for a series that has been moved around so much and is still a fan and critical favorite. It makes sense, Coach Taylor will have a building season and then a butt-kicking season with the championship that will make Buddy and the boosters scratching their heads and asking, “where did we go wrong?”
Every episode has been a gift (and I mean that a couple of ways). Heck, I don’t even bash Ben Silverman anymore because he saved the show).
I’d like to see what happens to Smash and Riggins two years from now. Like to see Saracen and Julie still together – maybe leaving town together. Street lands his first big client. Tyra becomes the next Jenn Sterger when discovered by a sideline camera at a football game. Landry’s band gets national attention when a song from Crucifictorius ends up in some indie movie, Coach wins one more state title after reconciling with Tami after their separation.
for me two more seasons isn’t enough. After season 3 ended it will be interesting to see what will happen in season 4. I love the show and it is the only actuall show i watch on tv. If it ends i wouldn’t have a point of owning a tv.
I think a big reason why it isn’t as popular, is because it is never advertised anywhere.
I believe next season is going to be horrible for coach taylor and not make state but he will beat the Dillion Panthers as the head coach of East Dillion High.
I can’t wait for next season and i hope it goes on forever, if it could happen.
People need to get the word out because NBC apparently doesn’t care that much about a good quality show for everyone.
for me two more seasons isn’t enough. After season 3 ended it will be interesting to see what will happen in season 4. I love the show and it is the only actuall show i watch on tv. If it ends i wouldn’t have a point of owning a tv.
I think a big reason why it isn’t as popular, is because it is never advertised anywhere.
I believe next season is going to be horrible for coach taylor and not make state but he will beat the Dillion Panthers as the head coach of East Dillion High.
I can’t wait for next season and i hope it goes on forever, if it could happen.
People need to get the word out because NBC apparently doesn’t care that much about a good quality show for everyone.
i love and I do mean love this show, but i think it should’ve ended once matt graduated. i feel like it’s his show and without his drama, i can’t really dedicate myself to the series. but i do still love coach and landry, just not enough to watch for 5 or 10 more seasons.