NBC’s Quantum Leap was one of the most inventive shows of the past century. The series followed Dr. Sam Beckett as he was tasked with correcting historical mistakes by inhabiting a random person’s body. By doing so, the hope was that he would return to his own time and finally get back to his life. The new Quantum Leap continues a similar narrative with a different main character, Dr. Ben Song, portrayed by Raymond Lee.
While the reboot is only a few episodes young and doesn’t have Scott Bakula, it’s already won over the network. NBC recently extended Quantum Leap by six episodes — giving it a full 18-episode first season. That’s not only great for the series as it continues to grow, but proof that the longer seasons broadcast TV pioneered still have their place.
Why Longer Seasons Are Good for Some TV Shows
Most modern TV shows on streaming or cable rarely get past 12 episodes in a season. This offers less of a commitment to viewers, but it also creates a host of new issues that do larger stories a disservice. Even though Quantum Leap has its “leaps of the week,” there’s still an overarching narrative about Ben and his mission that’s better conveyed over 18 episodes.
Longer seasons offer many more chances for universes to feel fully fleshed out and lived in, and enough time for shows to wrap up their ongoing stories. In Quantum Leap’s case, the extra six episodes will allow for the larger mystery to build and the opportunity to throw in a few late-season surprises — since the writers will be able to resolve any additional plot twists.
The show could also further explore its ties to the original series, since it won’t have to push the current iteration of the Quantum Leap project forward as quickly. Even though Bakula isn’t planning on returning, there’s years of plot to mine and other legacy characters to play with in Herbert “Magic” Williams and Janice Calavicci.
Can Quantum Leap Revive Broadcast Television?
Quantum Leap left its mark on television when it originally aired. But in a time where the world is moving faster and condensed stories are more common, Quantum Leap will make another impact and show the world the benefits of longer TV seasons. Actors can further explore their characters. Viewers can get a more fulfilling story to watch. And writers can plan out their mythology without rushing through it.
The Quantum Leap revival could be the start of a new era of TV that uses old storytelling methods to explore modern ideas on a deeper level. While 18 episodes are less than the 22-24 that broadcast TV once aired, it’s more than enough to continue the adventures of Dr. Ben Song. The extended season benefits the show and it benefits the viewer. The only person it may not benefit is Ben, whose journey just got six leaps longer.
Quantum Leap airs Mondays at 10:00 p.m. on NBC and streams on Peacock.
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