FORBES: TV's Biggest Moneymakers

[JamesG]

Which TV Shows Bring In The Most Money?
Posted May 4th 2010
by Bob Sassone


1. "American Idol" on FOX (2002-present)

When "American Idol" is no longer the number one show -- either in ratings or ad revenue -- it's going to seem really strange, isn't it?

I wonder if Simon Cowell's new show "The X Factor" will get this much attention and money?

Brings in: $8.1 million per 30 minutes.






2. "Two and a Half Men" on CBS (2003-present)

Charlie Sheen is probably pointing to this article right now and saying "See?!"

My guess is that he'll come to some sort of agreement with CBS and we'll all be watching this sitcom until Jake is old enough to put both dad Alan and uncle Charlie in a senior citizens home.

Brings in: $3.1 per 30 minutes.






3. "24" on FOX (2001-2010)

This show won't be on the list next year, because, well, the show won't be on next year. But advertisers still flock to this Monday night action drama.

Brings in: $3 million per 30 minutes.






4. "Grey's Anatomy" on ABC (2005-present)

I don't think this show has the "buzz" that it once had. In fact, I know some people who were hardcore fans the first few seasons but have now drifted away from it.

Advertisers haven't though, so it comes in at number four. It's often a top ten show too, so many are still watching.

Brings in: $2.8 million per 30 minutes.






5. "V" on ABC (2009-present)

This is the only new show in the top five.

You're probably asking yourself how a show that gets the ratings that "V" gets (not very good ratings, that is) can rank so high.

As Forbes explains, it's not that the show is getting good ratings, it's that the show was expected to get good ratings, so ad time was bought.

Brings in: $2.3 million per 30 minutes.






The rest of the Top 10 List are:

6. "Desperate Housewives" on ABC
7. "Dancing with the Stars" on ABC
8. "Lost" on ABC
9. "Survivor" on CBS
10. "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" on CBS



No NBC or The CW shows are on the list.
ABC has half of the top ten and Fox/CBS have the rest.


The FORBES Article - http://www.forbes.com/2010/05/03/gle...eymakers.html?


http://www.tvsquad.com/2010/05/04/wh...he-most-money/

[DSfan]

Interesting post, thanks!