09-13-2007, 07:06 AM
FCC regs require network prime time shows to take up 44 minutes of the hour by allowing a max of 16 minutes of commercials an hour on network TV. When shows go to syndication, they frequently cut 2 minutes total somewhere in the show, as most cable networks and non-prime time slots are limited to 18 minutes of ads. That original 44 minutes of show includes everything from opening scenes to end credits and preview of next episode.
As for number of breaks, it varies a bit. Some shows go for 4, others, 5 commercial breaks about evenly spaced through the show. Since I work evenings most of the year, I have to record shows to watch later. So I just skip through the ads. But I have noticed the networks are playing with the length and placement of the breaks to mess with the ad skippers. Used to be most breaks were 3 or 3 1/2 minutes, so it was easy to skip with a 1 minute fast skips on the VCR. Now I am noticing breaks of anywhere from 2 to 4 minutes for ads.
As for number of breaks, it varies a bit. Some shows go for 4, others, 5 commercial breaks about evenly spaced through the show. Since I work evenings most of the year, I have to record shows to watch later. So I just skip through the ads. But I have noticed the networks are playing with the length and placement of the breaks to mess with the ad skippers. Used to be most breaks were 3 or 3 1/2 minutes, so it was easy to skip with a 1 minute fast skips on the VCR. Now I am noticing breaks of anywhere from 2 to 4 minutes for ads.
