limited series

Meaning

A television show that tells a complete story in a predetermined, small number of episodes (usually between 4 and 10) and is not intended to have multiple seasons. It has a clear beginning, middle, and end.

Examples

• Instead of a multi-season show, they decided to release the story as a ten-part limited series.

  Instead of a multi-season show, they decided to release the story as a ten-part limited series.

• The limited series won several awards for its tight pacing and excellent acting.

  The limited series won several awards for its tight pacing and excellent acting.

• I prefer watching a limited series because I know I will get a complete ending without waiting years.

  I prefer watching a limited series because I know I will get a complete ending without waiting years.

• The streaming platform is producing a new limited series based on the best-selling historical novel.

  The streaming platform is producing a new limited series based on the best-selling historical novel.

• Although it was marketed as a limited series, its massive success might lead to a second season.

  Although it was marketed as a limited series, its massive success might lead to a second season.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ This TV show has been running for ten years, it's a great limited series.

  ✓ This TV show has been running for ten years, it's a great long-running series.

  A limited series has a set, small number of episodes and does not run for multiple seasons or years.

• ✗ I don't like limited series because they always cancel them after one season.

  ✓ I don't like limited series because they only have one season.

  A limited series is designed from the start to end after one season. It is not 'cancelled' due to low ratings.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The award-winning drama 'Chernobyl' is a five-episode ___ that tells a complete historical story.

  💡 A show with a predetermined, small number of episodes.

  Show answer

  limited series

• I don't have time for a long show, so I'm looking for a good ___ to watch this weekend.

  💡 A short, self-contained TV show.

  Show answer

  limited series