[Alex]

Because this country has historically used a business model that relies heavily on having lots and lots of episodes. That may be changing as we move away from large audience centralized TV networks.

However, the writers of Flashforward have said they've completely mapped out the story and need at only need 3 seasons to tell the complete story. If the show is really successful they can expand it out to 5-7 seasons but they know exactly what will happen in the first season, the second to last season, and the final season. And have outlined extra seasons in the middle if they're asked for them.

I was intrigued enough to keep watching for a while. The big apparent plot hole is:

Spoiler:

In none of the flashforwards shown do the people show any evidence that they're aware that they're in the moment they've already seen during the blackout.

So:

1. Either the flashfowards seen were what would have happened if not for the flashforward in which case the information conveyed isn't all that meaningful.

2. The writers didn't take into account that in reality come 10pm on April 29th, 2010 6.8 billion people will be standing around like Times Square on New Year's Eve. Or, they'd be situated so as to communicate with themselves by standing in front of a whiteboard on which is written "The winning lottery numbers the day after the blackout will be..."

3. There is an explanation that hasn't yet been given. I'm hopeful but can't think of anything that would seem remotely plausible.