'Lost' will last a little longer

By Rick Porter

June 29, 2009 2:12 PM

If you're already preparing yourself for the departure of "Lost" in the spring of 2010, take heart. The series will go on a little longer than expected.

OK, it's only one hour longer, but we'll take what we can get.

An ABC rep confirmed Monday (June 29) that the final season of "Lost" will run 18 hours. That's an hour more than initially planned, although where that extra time fits in -- although a two-hour series finale seems pretty much like a given at this point -- is far from determined yet. "Lost" begins filming season six in Hawaii later this summer.

Considering the possibly game-changing events at the end of season five -- wherein Juliet (Elizabeth Mitchell) detonated a nuclear warhead in an effort to hit the Island's reset button and, in theory, prevent Oceanic 815 from crashing in the first place -- any extra time the show's creative team wants to take unraveling what happened could be welcome.

When ABC and executive producers Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindelof agreed to an end date for the show after season six, the network asked for three 16-episode seasons to wrap things up. The 2007-08 writers strike messed up that schedule somewhat, and only 14 episodes made it onto the air in the fourth season.

Last season ran 17 episodes (with the two-hour finale counting as two), and the final season was set to do the same thing. Adding the extra hour to the final season will bring the total number of episodes in the final three years to 49.

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| Comments (35)

35 Comments

YAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!! i'll take it....

LOST fan | June 29, 2009 2:26 PM

I wish they could just round up and make it 20 episodes for next season. It's the final season and there are so many storylines to explore and wrap up. I hope 18 is enough.

If "24" can pull off 24 eps in a January-to-May time period, "Lost" could easily do 20.

Sean | June 29, 2009 2:33 PM

I am sure they have a godo reason for doing 18 shows. This show is very well planned.

meow | June 29, 2009 2:39 PM

Yay! good news ... I'll take it!

Lostie47 | June 29, 2009 3:35 PM

Oh I wish it could be more, this is my favorite show of all times. There is so much to wrap up....

Louisa | June 29, 2009 4:34 PM

This CRAP series lasted way too long. It should never have made it out of the gate. Given nominations and awards only proves that CRAP is rewarded much more readily than quality programs. Sure doesn't say much about its viewing audience. Just read the above comments. Geesh!

Liz | June 29, 2009 4:51 PM

Liz - why do you hate? And why even bother making that comment? All we Losties will reject you without regard. Lost rocks. (well portions of season 3 didn't - Nicki and Paula anyone? Jack's tattoo ep?) We are all thrilled to have an extra hour. You should move on.

Kitty | June 29, 2009 5:25 PM

LOST is one of the best shows on TV - if you think it's CRAP it's because you either don't watch it, or don't have the brain power to understand it.

Darren | June 29, 2009 6:18 PM

Hey Liz...

If you hate Lost so much, why did you even read this article. I guess being a lonely bitter old ***** leaves you with a lot of time on your hands. I am sorry for your sad life...

crb | June 29, 2009 6:19 PM

i'll take every extra hour of LOST that i can get! Liz, get a life.

OCGirl | June 29, 2009 6:57 PM