Ask John: Why Are Some Shows Released as Two Short Series?

Question:
Why is there a sudden trend of releasing two 13-epsiode series rather than one full length one? It seems to have become a fairly big trend suddenly with many series using the format (Sisters of Wellber, Rosario+Vampire, Miname-Ke). Is this due to financial reasons so they don’t anger fans by having to cancel series half-way through the plot, or do they think that the Japanese public have a shorter attention span these days?

Answer:
Honestly, I don’t know why we’ve seen a recent increase of short seasons shows quickly followed by second seasons. This recent trend has also affected Black Lagoon, Tokyo Majin Gakuen, Moonlight Mile, and Sayonara Zetsubo Sensei. Considering that there are still a significant number of “two kuru” (roughly 26 episode) anime series, I don’t think that this production practice is specifically coming in repsonse to “short attention spans.” The most logical probable explanation is that many of these niche audience programs have an uncertain audience potential when they’re greenlit for production. Producers and sponsors may okay the production of a short run of 10-13 episodes with an option to finance and broadcast additional episodes if the first “season” becomes successful.

This tactic has been used in the anime industry for years. For example, reportedly the 1986 Maison Ikkoku television series was initially only produced as a probational single season, but the series’ success prompted an extension that eventually took the show to 96 episodes, OVAs and a movie.

While recent one kuru shows like Minamike and Rosario to Vampire have proven popular enough to be renewed for second seasons, many other recent one kuru shows like Getsumen Toheiki Mina, Rocket Girls, Devil May Cry, Skull Man, Night Wizard, and Prism Ark have apparently not been popular enough to earn sequels. With the reported financial crunch affecting Japan’s anime production industry, it wouldn’t be surprising to find that anime producers were increasingly being cautious by preparing shows to end after 13 episodes if they don’t perform well. It is certainly easier to extend a hit than justify the continued production of a show that’s not earning viewers or revenue.