Makers of the hit drama “Lost” say they’re talking with ABC executives about setting an end date for the series, according to The Associated Press.
There’s no sense the finale is coming anytime soon. But knowing they have a deadline will help writers of the convoluted drama lay out how they want the story to end, producers said Sunday in a meeting with TV critics in Pasadena, California.
“Once we figure out when that will be, a lot of the questions will go away,” said Carlton Cuse, an executive producer. “Lost” is in its third season.
The producers, citing Fox’s “The X-Files,” said they didn’t want to wear out their welcome. “That was a great show that probably ran two seasons too long,” Cuse said. “That is a cautionary tale for us.”
“Lost” is due back on ABC’s schedule next month following an extended hiatus after the season’s first six episodes and will air uninterrupted through May. The schedule was a direct result of fans’ complaints about reruns disrupting their concentration in past seasons, producers said.
It’s likely next year that all 22 episodes will run consecutively, much like Fox is doing with “24.”
One prominent critic – ABC Entertainment President Stephen McPherson – said he thought the first six episodes this season concentrated too heavily on the stories of Jack, Kate and Sawyer at the expense of other members of the large cast.
The producers said that will be rectified right away for the season’s second half as “Lost” goes back to the beach.
