OT - What's a half hour show length these days?

It used to be that a half hour show for TV had to be 22 1/2 minutes and the one hour show had to be 48 minutes. Have things changed or are they the same?

Every broadcaster is different. You need to contact your broadcaster for their specs.

Between 21:30 and 24:00 for half hour.

Between 42 min and 46 min for full hour. I haven't seen 48 for years.

As Jude says...depends on the network.


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Quote
Jude Cotter
Every broadcaster is different.

Are there any set parameters in Australia?

Quote
Shane Ross
Between 21:30 and 24:00 for half hour.
Between 42 min and 46 min for full hour. I haven't seen 48 for years.

It used to be strictly 22 1/2 for half hour shows during the three network days, but I have noticed lately that some networks are more flexible in their time slots. I seem to remember NBC offered Conan 12:05 AM time slot. I couldn't understand that.

I like the 42 minute length, because I have a movie that is 41.5 minutes right now. I can easily make it into 42 minutes. I didn't realize I could sell that as a one hour show. I also like the 46 length. I have noticed that commercial breaks are running much longer in the last year.

Thanks for the info. I have to research how often there should be commercial break points in a half hour show and in a one hour show. It helps the story telling process if one can plan the movie around the commercial breaks.

And PBS will take almost anything up to 57min for an one hour.

Chi-Ho Lee
Film & Television Editor
Apple Certified Final Cut Pro Instructor

Yeah, PBS doesn't run a lot of ads. They do though, lately...


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The Hills on MTV is <20mins... but that's probably more due to the content lol

It varies show to show even with the same broadcaster. The last two shows I worked on for E! were 21:30 and 22:30. It all depends on the ad $'s.