Never mind free over-the-air hit network TV shows like "Tracker" and "High Potential," which won't be coming back until either late in the fall or not until 2027. Some viewers who subscribe to streaming or pay cable shows like "Ted Lasso," or "House of the Dragon," often have to wait an eternity for their favourite series to return. 

For most, two years is way too long to remember how the previous season ended, leaving some fans deciding simply not to invest their time again in a show they may binge watch, then not see again for 24 months or more. 

"Those spaced-out shows are among the most beloved on television. But keeping up with a series after a long pause can be easier said than done. Last month, Bloomberg reported on Netflix’s struggles to retain viewers for second seasons. One likely factor: Many of the series taking lengthy breaks between seasons are the same ones that rely on intricate plotting and complex characters to enchant audiences."

Why do they do that? The Washington Post looks at the problem of TV series going away for too long and still expecting viewers to be there when they finally come back. 

Your favorite TV show has taken years to return. How did we get here?