How long is the average TV show?

Answer 1

Average for 30 minute programming is about 20 - 25 minutes depending on the network.

Average for 1 hr programming is anywhere from 40 - 50 min Depending on the network.

Specials such as movies or documentaries can vary because at bare minimum they have to show their sponsors commercials along with network sponsors.

Really, this is an abstract answer to a specific question that has no set median.

So really the short answer is; That depends........

Answer 2

It really depends. The networks allocate an hour for most dramas, for example, but none of these programs has one full hour of content. Most network programs have about 40 minutes of the show and the rest is commercials. If a program is a half-hour, the same rule applies-- about 18-20 minutes of program and the remaining time for commercials.

Years ago, it was believed that cable would have fewer commercials, since it was a subscription service. But these days, even some cable channels have the same 40-42 minutes of program and the remaining minutes are for commercials. However, some networks do have more content-- HBO, for example, does not have any commercials in its programs, so a one hour show will have about 55 minutes of content.