SNL Will Cut Down on Commercial Breaks by 30% Next Season
SNL hasn’t yet revealed its final host of Season 41, let alone what, if any cast turnover to expect in Season 42, but a notable change is already afoot. The NBC mainstay will cut at least two commercial breaks from live airings next season, but what might replace the additional runtime?
Per Advertising Age, SNL intends to cut down on advertisements by 30% in Season 42, the approximate length of two commercial breaks. Understandably, however, the added runtime will be something of a trade-off, in that NBC will offer companies a “limited opportunity to partner with SNL to create original branded content,” airing at least six “native pods” per year.
Said SNL boss Lorne Michaels of the change:
As the decades have gone by, commercial time has grown. This will give time back to the show and make it easier to watch the show live.
It’s a mixed bag, in that the added runtime could well mean additional sketches for little-featured cast members, as well the reinstatement of some previously cut-for-time segments, but time will tell if Season 42 offers any notable bump over the current year’s flat ratings.
Saturday Night Live will return on May 7 with Brie Larson and Alicia Keys.
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