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Syndicated facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

A TV show is syndicated when it's shown on a different TV channel than the one that first aired it. Sometimes, a syndicated show wasn't even made for a big TV network at all! Instead, these shows are created and then sold to many different TV stations to be broadcast.

What is TV Syndication?

Imagine your favorite TV show. After it airs on one channel, it might become so popular that other channels want to show it too. This is where syndication comes in! It's a way for TV shows to reach more viewers on different channels or at different times. It also helps the people who made the show earn more money from their hard work.

How TV Shows Get Syndicated

There are a few main ways TV shows become syndicated. Each type works a little differently, depending on how the show was first made or where it was shown.

First-Run Syndication

First-run syndicated programs are shows that are made specifically to be sold to many different TV stations right from the start. They don't usually air on a big national network first. Think of it like a new movie that goes straight to streaming services instead of showing in movie theaters first. A good example is a TV show made in one country that is then sold to be shown in many other countries.

Off-Network Syndication

Off-network syndicated programs are shows that first aired on a major TV network. These are often very popular shows that have already finished their original run. After they've been shown on the main network, that network sells the rights to other channels or stations. These other channels then show the episodes again. You might know these as "reruns"! It's a way for popular shows to keep reaching new and old fans.

Public TV Syndication

Public TV channels, like PBS, don't make all of their own shows. Many of the programs you see on public TV are actually bought from people who make syndicated shows. This means that independent producers create educational or documentary programs, and then public TV stations buy the rights to show them to their viewers.

Famous Syndicated TV Shows

Many popular TV shows you might have seen or heard about have been syndicated. Here are some examples of shows that became famous through syndication:

Popular First-Run Shows

These shows were often made to be sold to many different stations right away:

Popular Off-Network Shows

These shows first aired on a major network and then became popular reruns on other channels:

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Syndicated Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.