convert.py

import re
import json

ori = '[1-5,8]'
m = re.search(r'([0-9]+)-([0-9]+)', s)
s = ''
for i in range((m.groups()[0]), (m.groups()[1])+1):
    s += str(i)+','

l = re.sub(r'[0-9]+-[0-9]+,', s, '[1-5,8]')
out = json.loads(l)