Question: Why do many programs run over their 30 or 60 minute time period by a minute or two? I often record programs, and the last minute or two of a story’s wrap-up is lost. The program is recorded precisely at 30 or 60 minutes but the broadcast lasted a minute or two longer. — Ellen Margate, FL
Matt Roush: This practice has been going on for a long time — and it can be even more confusing with certain cable programs that produce oversized episodes running 15 or more minutes longer than the usual hour with commercials. Those with DVR recorders tend to have less of an issue with this, because the programmers generally provide information about which episodes are expected to run a minute or so longer, and generally it works (although it still sometimes lops off the last few seconds of a show — especially noticeable if you’re a fan of Chuck Lorre’s vanity cards). The reason for these overruns is very old-school, with schedulers believing if a popular show runs into another show’s time period, it may keep viewers from turning between episodes to the competition. This usually ends up just annoying viewers for the reasons you state in your question. If your device allows you to do it, I always recommend recording a few minutes beyond the allotted time slot — or even recording the following show just to be safe.
To submit questions to TV Critic Matt Roush, go to: tvinsider.com
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