- The length of the series: Typically, longer series with more episodes command higher fees.
- The popularity of the series: Well-known and successful cartoon series can demand higher prices due to their established fan base and potential for advertising revenue.
- The production costs of the series: Shows that involve more elaborate animation, special effects, or voice talent may require a higher budget and, therefore, higher licensing fees.
- The country and market where the series is being aired: Licensing fees can differ based on the region or territory where the series is being broadcast, with more competitive markets tending to have higher prices.
- The type of licensing agreement: Some agreements may involve exclusive rights for a channel to air a series, while others may allow multiple channels to broadcast the show, which can impact the overall licensing fees.
On average, a TV channel may pay anywhere from a few hundred thousand dollars to several million dollars per episode for a popular cartoon series. For instance, well-known shows like "The Simpsons" and "SpongeBob SquarePants" have reportedly fetched licensing fees in the range of $1-2 million per episode. However, it's important to note that these are exceptional cases, and the majority of cartoon series fall within a much lower budget range.