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'SNL' to cut 30% of commercials next season to encourage live viewing

The Wrap

April 25, 2016 at 1:42PM

This Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016 photo provided by NBC shows, Larry David, left, and Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders, introducing musical guest The 1975 on the "Larry David" episode of "Saturday Night Live," in New York. Sanders made a cameo appearance on "Saturday Night Live" three days before the New Hampshire primary, appearing in a skit with host David, the comic who has done a dead-on impersonation of him. Sanders is the third presidential candidate to appear on "SNL" this season. (Dana Edelson/NBC via AP) (Mike Nelson — Associated Press/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

"Saturday Night Live" is bringing you 30 percent more comedy next season, reducing commercials by the same amount.

The long-running sketch comedy series will scrap two full commercial breaks beginning in the fourth-quarter of 2016 — an effort to encourage more live viewership and thus, better initial TV ratings.

As part of the change, viewers will see more program content with an addition of original sponsored content from advertisers that partner with the show, NBC said on Monday.

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"As the decades have gone by, commercial time has grown," said Lorne Michaels, creator and executive producer, "Saturday Night Live." "This will give time back to the show and make it easier to watch the show live."

"Since 1975, 'SNL' has shaped and driven conversation. We are excited to try something new and unique that will shape and drive advertiser content too," added Linda Yaccarino, chairman, Advertising Sales and Client Partnerships, NBCUniversal. "By partnering together, advertisers can capture an audience that only 'SNL' can deliver."

Read original story 'SNL' to Cut 30 Percent of Commercials Next Season to Encourage Live Viewing At TheWrap