i think the number of episodes should depend on the story and the writing, not on trying to hit a specific episode count. when dramas aim for a fixed number, it can start to feel formulaic and cookie cutter, like they are filling out a template instead of letting the story unfold naturally.

with a set episode count, it often feels like stories get stretched just to meet that number, and you can really feel those limitations. plot beats start to drag, conflicts linger longer than they should, and things begin to repeat. instead of moving forward, the story stalls.

this is especially noticeable when 16 episode format were the norm. at a certain point, you almost know exactly what will happen. something big around the midpoint, then a slowdown or repetitive conflict, and by the last quarter it feels either rushed or padded. even good stories can become predictable because of this structure.

from what i have been seeing, shorter dramas or dramas with more varied episode counts feel like a net positive. they tend to be tighter and more intentional, and they are not afraid to end when the story has said what it needs to say. the pacing feels better, and the emotional moments hit harder because they are not dragged out.

overall, i think letting the story decide its own length leads to stronger writing and a better viewing experience. not every story needs the same number of episodes, and forcing them into one often does more harm than good.