TV Pet Peeve #3 - what time is it?

I hate the new trend of networks starting their programs at :02 and ending at :36 or something like that. NBC has been milking FRIENDS like this for the past couple of years, throwing gobs of promos at exactly 8:00, starting the show a bit late, and then ending it whenever they're through running the overpriced commercials for that "half-hour" show. At the other end of the same night, they always start E.R. a minute or so early, to one again, place more spots in the high-priced real estate of the 10:00 to 11:00 hour.

I guess some of these junior network suits think it's "cool" to get a jump on their competition too.

 

You can thank Ted Turner for this little trick.

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Ironically, Mr. Turner's TBS station no longer does that!

 

I didn't know that, Harry. I haven't watched TBS in years.

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Neither do I. I got rid of cable three years ago!

 

We do DirecTV here.

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And I thought my clocks were just slow. I've even found this out on Nickelodeon...getting ready to watch one of the shows with the kids, only to find I've missed the first minute or so.

 

I always start taping 5 minutes early learned that lesson fast!

 

Does a device like Tivo catch these late starts and stops?

 

Again, the networks do this to keep you tuned. If they end a show late, you will not be tempted to change the channel.

 

Scrubs started at 8:22 last week. Grrr!

 

There should be a law against this practice. It's disrespectful to the viewers.

Here, the local channels do the same, but go a step further. In the promos they state: 'Tonight after ...". with no further indication of time.

 

Yes. As long as the "guide" knows it starts at, say, 8:22 and ends at 9:59 you're okay.

For things that may go over (like sports) it's easy to add time.

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As long as 24 starts at 9 and ends at 10.....I'm happy!