What is the ideal length for an Anime series?

[Jmosies]

I personally tend to go for shows that are 1 or 2 seasons long, but I'm certainly open to lengthier ones, like Bleach, Naruto, Ranma 1/2, etc. (actually I read the Ranma manga but I haven't watched the anime...I might check it out soon though).

So what do you think? Do you go for the shorter series or the ones that may run for many years? Do you even have a preference?

[.Sev]

I usually like 24-26 episodes, depending on the anime.

[Gjallarhorn]

It entirely depends on the series and the manner of story telling. Some shows require length to properly tell their story, while others can do it more concisely. Some stories like to put things right out in front of the viewer, others will allow the viewer to interpret events and ideas on their own. Some series are more focused on life-long tales, while others are more interested in a specific time period. Some series focus more on a story, while others focus more on an idea or meaning.

I think the more thoughtful a series it, in general, it should be longer. This is where ~25 episode series tend to fall. Exceptions here fall under OVA series, or at least older OVA series, which were more ideal-focused and artistic in nature.
Ecchi series, ero series, "slice of life" series, and the like are fine at 13; it allows the fans to enjoy the show without continuing to the point that the viewer becomes tired of it and realized that there's no real substance.
Both of these are, again, generalized. As I said, it depends on the series.

[under the rain]

The longest number of episodes that I felt comfortable watching was thirty-two.

I like twenty-five to twenty-six episodes.

[Fabala]

Any, such that the story is told in completion, but I am not plagued with filler.

[PinkCherimu]

For me, it really depends on what the show is about. Some anime are just fit to be short series, not dragged out for too long, for those, I like it around 24-26 eps. There are also many shows that I'd like to see more episodes of (like 07-Ghost :P), and I'm usually not that bothered by long series, though sometimes it really does dragged for too long. I don't want to see anime over 200 episodes =___= Like Naruto, Bleach, One Piece, they've caught the disease where it can't just end :/

[Hypatia]

30-35 episodes. That is a nice enough length, its not too short and its not too long.

[blueangel06661]

12 episodes. Usually contains absolutely no fillers. Plus I'm not likely to get distracted and if it's recent I only have to keep up with weekly updates only for a few months.

For really good thought out series like Clannad etc I generally like them between 24-32 episodes. I'd cry if they were any shorter.

Anything more than 52 episodes I do not watch unless it seems realllly interesting. Anything more than 100 you can forget it.

[Twelfth]

It really depends on the series. Generally, I prefer 24-26 episodes.