Rerun facts for kids

A rerun is when a television show or radio show is played again after its first time. It's like watching your favorite episode of a show for a second, third, or even tenth time! Broadcasters often play reruns to fill their schedules or let new viewers catch up on popular series.

Why Do Shows Have Reruns?

Reruns are very useful for TV channels and radio stations. They help fill up the broadcast schedule without needing to create new content all the time. Making new shows can be very expensive and take a lot of time. Reruns are a way to keep viewers entertained with content they already know and love.

Filling the Schedule

Imagine a TV channel that broadcasts 24 hours a day. It would be impossible to make new shows for every single hour! Reruns help fill those hours, especially during times when fewer people are watching, like late at night or during holiday seasons.

Saving Money

Producing a new episode of a TV show costs a lot of money. This includes paying actors, writers, directors, and camera crews. By showing a rerun, the channel doesn't have to pay these costs again. It's a smart way to save money while still offering content.

Popular Demand

Sometimes, a show is so popular that people want to watch it again and again. Reruns allow fans to re-watch their favorite moments or catch episodes they missed. This is especially true for classic shows that many generations enjoy.

When Do Reruns Usually Air?

Reruns often appear at specific times of the year or day.

During Off-Seasons

Many TV shows have a "season" of new episodes, usually from fall to spring. During the summer, when many people are on vacation, channels often air reruns. This is because fewer people are watching TV, so it's not the best time to launch new, expensive shows.

Holiday Periods

Around holidays like Christmas or New Year's, you might see more reruns. People are often busy with family or traveling, so channels play popular older episodes. This also allows the show's cast and crew to have a break.

Daytime and Late Night

Many channels use reruns to fill their daytime or late-night schedules. These times often have lower viewership compared to prime time (evening). Reruns are a cost-effective way to keep the channel broadcasting around the clock.

Reruns and Streaming Services

With the rise of streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu, how we watch shows has changed. Many people can now watch any episode of a show whenever they want. This means they don't have to wait for a rerun to air on traditional TV.

However, reruns still exist! Some shows are only available on traditional TV, or people might prefer the experience of watching a show as it airs. Also, some streaming services might license older shows, making them available "on demand" which is similar to a rerun, but you choose when to watch.

Benefits for Viewers

Reruns offer several good things for people watching TV or listening to the radio.

• Catching Up: If you missed an episode, a rerun gives you a chance to see it.
• Nostalgia: Watching an old favorite can bring back good memories.
• Discovering New Shows: Sometimes, people discover a show through a rerun and then become new fans.
• Background Noise: For some, reruns are perfect for having on in the background while doing other things.

See also

In Spanish: Reposición para niños