WWE fans will have to adjust their viewing schedules as WWE SmackDown has temporarily expanded its runtime to three hours. This alteration, which debuted on January 3, 2025, is part of WWE's strategic response to creative storytelling needs and has been confirmed by WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H.
Triple H, during his appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, expressed the reasoning behind this significant shift, stating, "Yes, for right now (it is three hours), and then it switches back to two." This statement left fans curious about when they can expect SmackDown to revert to its traditional two-hour format.
While the show has made headlines with its new length, it's not all smooth sailing. Triple H noted the decision to extend the show was partly due to the logistics involved after WWE Raw’s transition to Netflix. The three-hour SmackDown is expected to run until approximately June 2025, as part of WWE's agreement with the USA Network.
During his discussion, Triple H elaborated on the necessity for flexibility within the creative process. He explained, "I think it’s by what the content needs to be... Sometimes when we do three-hour shows there’s... little bit of fat in the show... But a two-hour show, man, there’s a lot of times when we get done...‘I would have liked to put more in there.’”
The January 3 episode of SmackDown exemplified the challenges faced by WWE's creative team, with last-minute changes requiring adjustments to planned storylines. Highlighting this point, Triple H recounted, "We had the show written up, and it was really good, and it moved a lot of stories forward, and then we get word talent are injured." This adaptive approach emphasizes WWE's commitment to maintaining quality content even under pressing circumstances.
Interestingly, the adjustments made during the January 3 episode underscored the unpredictable nature of the wrestling industry. One unnamed talent had to be replaced suddenly due to health concerns, prompting the creative team to pivot and rewrite the script on short notice. Triple H added humorously, "Okay, alright. So we got to rewrite the whole storyline... don’t go anywhere, sit back down because we gotta rewrite.”
Given WWE's historical preference for its traditional two-hour format, fans and analysts alike are keeping close tabs on this development. While the extended SmackDown runtime allows for more matches and segments, it raises questions about the overall pacing of the show as Triple H noted, maintaining narrative effectiveness remains top priority.
Fans who enjoyed the expanded content during the three-hour run may still be disappointed when the show resumes its shorter format, but Triple H reassured them of WWE's commitment to delivering top-notch entertainment regardless of the runtime. He stated, "Sometimes there's just too much to fit within those two hours. That's where the length question really matters. Is it appropriate for the story we are trying to convey?"
Despite internal discussions around the format, WWE's leadership continues to adapt to fan feedback and programming needs. The wrestling world is never static; as Triple H quipped about getting locked-in expectations from talent, "If they like what you’re initially trying to plan, any changes afterward can feel catastrophic to them."
These conversations reflect the nature of scripted episodic television, where changes to runtime can significantly impact how storytelling is employed and received. WWE is poised to explore this dynamic over time, aiming to find the perfect balance between brevity and content richness.
Looking forward, as speculation grows about potential future shifts within WWE’s programming, both fans and personnel are encouraged to embrace change. The knowledge of upcoming adjustments provides clear rationale and purpose; the three-hour SmackDown might not be here to stay, but it has certainly sparked engaging discussions surrounding WWE's creative deliberations.
All eyes will remain on the wrestling organization as they navigate these modifications, with many eagerly anticipating the return to the familiar two-hour format and how WWE will address storytelling challenges at every juncture.