The average costs for a thirty-second commercial during prime-time programs on Monday and Thursday nights in 2012–2013 is shown.

Source: Brian Steinberg, “TV Ad Prices: ‘Idol’ No Match for Football,” AdAge, October 21, 2012, http://adage.com/article/media/TV-ad-prices-idol-match-football/237874/.

Note: * = Canceled shows