The Punisher Showrunner Prefers Having Thirteen-Episode Seasons

While fans have often called out the Marvel Netflix series for being too padded out, The Punisher’s showrunner likes the thirteen-episode seasons. Steve Lightfoot spoke with Collider and said that he enjoyed the longer episode format, as it allowed him to tell more story.

“It’s an interesting thing, that,” Lightfoot said. “People have always said to me, ‘Do you wish you’d have had 10?’ and then I say, ‘Well then you would’ve had less story.’ I always wanted it to be a slow burn show. I always felt like we had the right amount for 13, and you’ve gotta have enough story for that but I like how slow burn and character-driven the shows are.”

Lightfoot was also asked whether he took fan reaction to the first season into account when plotting out the planned second season. He said, “That’s always tricky because you get such a variation, some people love it, some people hate it, some people are in the middle. My personal opinion with that stuff is you just have to be true to the character and the story you choose to tell. You want them to love it obviously, but if you start worrying about the audience it can be a trap. I think we just have to keep trying to be true to Frank’s character and make him someone people want to hang out with.”

The Punisher has been renewed for a second season by Netflix, but a premiere date has not yet been revealed.