<Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This section does not cite any sources . Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (February 2017) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> <P> In the United States, dramas produced for hour - long time slots typically are 39 to 42 minutes in length (excluding advertisements), while sitcoms produced for 30 - minute time slots typically are 18 to 21 minutes long . There are exceptions as subscription - based TV channels (such as HBO, Starz, Cinemax, and Showtime) have episodes with 45 to 48 minutes of program, similar to Britain . </P> <P> In Britain dramas run from about 45 to 48 minutes, with 57 to 59 minutes on BBC1 . Sitcoms vary greatly and are between 22 and 27 minutes generally and 27 to 29 minutes on BBC1 . The longer duration on the national television channels (BBC1 and BBC2) is due to the lack of advertising, requiring time only for bridging commentary and trailers in each program slot . </P> <P> In France most television shows (whether dramas, game shows or documentaries) have a duration of 52 minutes . This is the same on nearly all French networks (TF1, France 2, France 5, M6, Canal+, etc .). </P>

When do tv shows end for the season