1. Advertising:
* Traditional Advertising: This is the most common revenue stream. Networks sell commercial airtime during breaks in the show to advertisers. The cost of these ads varies based on factors like the show's popularity, the time slot, and the target audience.
* Product Placement: Networks also get revenue from brands who pay to have their products featured within the show.
* Sponsorships: Some shows have specific sponsors who contribute to the production costs in exchange for branding opportunities and mentions throughout the season.
2. Syndication:
* After a show has run its initial run, networks can sell it into syndication. This means licensing the show to other networks or streaming services for re-runs. This generates revenue for the network over a longer period.
3. Streaming Services:
* Networks can also generate revenue by licensing their shows to streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, etc. This provides another source of income beyond traditional broadcast.
4. International Distribution:
* Networks often sell the rights to air their shows in other countries. This can be a significant source of revenue, particularly for popular shows with global appeal.
5. Merchandise and Licensing:
* Based on popular shows, networks can generate revenue from selling merchandise like clothing, toys, and other branded products. They can also license the show's characters or themes for use in other media, like video games or theme parks.
6. Live Events and Tours:
* For some popular shows, networks can generate revenue by organizing live events, such as concerts or stage adaptations of the show. They can also license the show's characters or themes for use in live tours, generating revenue from ticket sales.
7. Production Costs:
* Networks also recoup some of their production costs from the shows themselves. This can be through production deals with studios or through tax breaks and incentives offered by governments.
Overall, networks make money from TV shows through a combination of these revenue streams. The specific mix depends on the popularity of the show, the network's business model, and the current media landscape.