When Lost was first aired, and being introduced I thought it would be a one series hit - plane crashed, survival, and then rescue. I never imagined that the writers would have such ingenuity and be able to keep the show going, without any sign of devaluing the show. In fact, it just keeps getting better.
It is for this reason that I am more open to Drive than might be expected. A race for $32 million. And not everyone in it wants to be there. What happens when someone wins? Will anyone win? Again, from the outset this looks like a one series show. The race, and someone wins. End of. However, if the writers introduce character twists and connections, perhaps a hunt for the organisers of the race, or possibly stretch the race out over several seasons I can see it going a long way. It just depends on the skill of the writers in transmitting a sense of closeness to the characters, an empathy for them. If the viewers can feel as if they know the characters personally then it could be a big hit. It also stars Nathan Fillion, so that's a good start!