I don’t have a specific answer other than to not pause production but I feel like this is a symptom of the season based production cycle. A series captures the imagination, then it disappears for an entire year (or two or three), only to start again hoping everyone hasn’t moved on in life. Of course they lose momentum with fans.

A better model to my mind is decide to make a 20 episode series, then produce and release episodes as they are finished and don’t stop until the series is over. If the series is capable of continuing, make that decision long before the 20th episode, but be sure to be ready to end by 20 otherwise.

I generally agree with the sentiment though. In a series that has a story and an arc, ending is before an end is possible is just mean. You could at least give a few episodes grace to let the writers wrap it up. Just ending a story midway through is the height of disrespect to both the artists creating it, but most importantly, your customers who have given their life and interest to the story.