I know Holby does that a few week long breaks at certain points, but does anyone else think it would benefit the show to have a longer period between the series to sell the storylines? I swear they used to be like that back in the day. Part of me understands that having it continuously mimics real life in the way that a hospital never stops but then I don't know if it helps the storylines to have it brushed over so quickly the next week.

Holby doesn't take breaks.
It's a solid performer for BBC1 on a Tuesday night and keeps it's regular slot. Even at xmas it was on Xmas eve and new years eve.

Casualty however takes a couple of weeks break here and there. In fact Casualty is also shorter running 50 mins compared to Holby's 60mins

Oh I always thought there was a week break at some point. I do still think it could have more impact if it was split into more obvious series just because it's build more hype and suspense between series whereas at the moment it's solid - which is good, don't get me wrong - but is it just reliable?

I think the first couple of series were actually series with definite beginning/end points and a gap between. But it has been a year round production for ages now (although is still divided in to series which is possible because they normally build up to storylines around the quarter points (episode 13, 26, 39) and have something big for the 'series end' (episode 52) even though it just carries on the next week. It does sometimes switch to BBC2 (it did for the Olympics) but the only reason I could see it not being on/postponed was if one of the s/l's echoed something terrible that had happened in the news.

I think when Holby first started back in 2000 the BBC gave it short breaks but giving it a great slot Tuesdays at 8 right after EastEnders and against weak comp has seen it grab a very loyal fan base. It also messes ITV up really because they watch what they put out against it.

Moving it for a few weeks might weaken the viewing figures. I see no reason Holby can't run every week. I mean it's only an hour once every week so the out put it pretty small compared to the soaps .

I am amazed Casualty (which has been on for many years longer and is iconic) isn't given a regular slot and takes a break. I would have expected the BBC to increase the episodes to an hour by now too.