Advertisers have been shifting more of their dollars to the digital world, as internet videos and streaming services steal a growing number of eyeballs from traditional television. And now it seems some networks have come up with a rather deceptive way to try to hold onto their profits. Youtuber Itclassics uploaded a video back in 2013 showing how TBS speeds up a Seinfeld episode to squeeze in about three more minutes of commercials. The video is only now getting more widespread attention, and online reaction has been fiercely negative. Many people say the trick will backfire on the networks, and drive more people to simply cut the cable cord. What do you think? Would you even notice if it wasn’t pointed out?
Having watched some shows on DVD, I have noticed that most modern “hour-long” shows out of the U.S. are 42 minutes in length. Back up a decade or so and most shows are 45 minutes long. Shows from the 60s and 70s or early 80s are up to 48 minutes long. As for watching my current favourites, the PVR and the >> button on the remote get put to use.