I've tried to think of a reason why there are mid-season breaks and I really can't put my finger on it. There never used to be such a thing, and it's not like series have grown in episodes (averaging 14-16 eps a season now I would say) so it's not like they're limited as far as filming time goes, I would assume they film the whole season over one period of time.

Just outlining the airing schedule for the TV series Suits:



Almost a 5 month break for just over 1 month of screening? Seems utterly pointless. After the finale Season 3 won't air for 12 months.

There isn't a limitation for channels, or holiday season isn't interrupting the ability to finish the season before Christmas.

Can someone explain the technical reason for mid-season breaks?

Never used to be such a thing? they've been happening for years.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiatus_(television)

It's all about ratings and competition. Majority of shows take a break during the football months as not to compete with the sport, football makes this country go round.

School, work, the summer, holidays, etc

some shows dont film the whole season at once either,
since season are getting longer, they break into 2 sections, making almost 2 season, but giving a break in between

plus greed and money issues come into play im sure.

imo anyway.

Been around for as long as I can remember.

Like Arsenic stated it revolves around Football. They also like to use the break to introduce new shows that get hyped the whole time the popular show is playing, in the hope of finding new hits/replacements.

ugh, Money.

of course.

Still baffles me though that despite America having breaks, Australia still gets TV shows months after they've finished airing...

Just watch them on the internet

I do, I can't recall the last TV show I actually watched on TV.

720p is online for download < 30 minutes after it finishes airing in the US, which is awesome.

bit longer wait time for me, but max. a day wait after airing

hate tv. for 2 big reasons: no control of WHEN to watch shit, and all them commercials (yeah there are other ways to go around this, but it involves me buying something i don't wanna buy)

mid season breaks annoy me more than anything TBH