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- Average age tripled: The average broadcast series in the 2026–27 season is nine years old, compared with three years old in the 1996–97 season.
- Era of long-running hits: The shift reflects a network strategy of relying on established franchises—many with a decade or more of episodes—rather than launching multiple new series each year.
- Upfront market context: The analysis arrives during the critical upfront advertising sales period, where networks pitch their schedules to advertisers. Older programming may command different pricing and audience guarantees than younger-skewing shows.
- Risk aversion trend: Networks have gradually reduced the number of new series orders each season, favoring renewal of existing shows with known audience behavior.
- Structural industry shift: The aging of network lineups mirrors broader changes in television, including the rise of streaming platforms that often pour resources into new content while legacy networks lean on library value.
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Key Highlights
According to a recent analysis from Forbes, the broadcast networks' scheduled lineup for the 2026–27 upfront season shows that the average age of series currently on the air has more than tripled compared with three decades ago. In the 1996–97 season, the typical broadcast series was about three years old. For the upcoming season, that figure has jumped to nine years, underscoring how long-running franchises and established brands now dominate network schedules.
The analysis examined the slate of scripted and unscripted series on the five major broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, The CW) for the 2026–27 season. The data reflects a broader industry trend toward prioritizing proven, older properties over untested new shows. This pattern has been accelerating in recent years as networks seek to minimize risk amid fragmenting audiences and rising production costs.
The finding comes during the annual upfront market, where networks sell advertising inventory for the coming season. The older average age of programming may influence how advertisers allocate budgets, particularly if they are targeting younger demographics. However, the analysis did not break down viewer demographics or specific show-by-show age data.
No recent earnings reports from the major broadcast network parent companies specifically address this upfront season's programming age, as most fiscal updates cover periods ending before the full lineup was announced. The analysis is based on publicly available schedule information.
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Expert Insights
Industry observers note that the tripling of average series age over three decades represents a fundamental reshaping of the broadcast television business model. In the mid-1990s, networks frequently launched several new shows per season, with many failing after a single year. Today, the economics of scripted television—particularly higher production costs and the need for predictable ratings—have pushed programmers toward lower risk.
From an advertising perspective, an older average series age could influence pricing dynamics. Advertisers often pay a premium for younger-skewing audiences due to higher lifetime customer value, but older shows may attract more loyal, engaged viewership. The trade-off may lead to more nuanced negotiations during this year's upfront market.
For investors in media companies, the aging series mix suggests a potential headwind for audience growth but a tailwind for cost predictability. While no specific data on renewal rates or advertising revenue was included in the analysis, the trend points to a continued emphasis on franchise extensions and spinoffs rather than original concepts.
The analysis does not address the performance of these shows in delayed viewing or streaming platforms, which could alter their effective age and relevance to advertisers. As the 2026–27 season approaches, the actual viewer response to the older lineup will determine whether this strategy sustains its financial logic.
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