The Pulse on Programming: August 2023 Preview
07.13.2023 
Jessica Sloan Heys
3 min
Welcome back to our monthly programming spotlight! We know that, as a local business owner, it’s imperative for you to reach your target audience now more than ever.
That is why we have put together a monthly preview highlighting three cable programs that represent exciting advertising opportunities for local businesses. We’ve rounded up information on show premiere dates, audience demographics and data, and other relevant information to inform your media buys and your overall cable TV advertising strategy.
Ahead of next fall’s buffet of live sports events and original television programming, August offers great advertising options ranging from reality TV competitions to compelling limited series that are sure to draw an engaged audience. Local businesses shouldn’t waste any time in planning out media buys to reach their target audience across this exciting slate of summer programming.
And remember: even if inventory for these specific shows are “sold out”, we offer a wide range of additional programming that can be used to reach your intended audience. Connect with Cox Media’s experts to learn more about the following advertising opportunities, as well as additional programming that can help you connect with local consumers.
Here are three big programming opportunities for August:
1. Worst Cooks in America – Returning Series
Can a terrible cook acquire some basic kitchen skills under the guidance of an accomplished chef? That question has propelled Food Network’s “Worst Cooks in America” into its 26th season, which returns August 6 at 8/7c.
The reality cooking competition features two premier chefs working with a team of hapless cooks as they transform from kitchen disasters to kitchen masters. The winner of this eight-episode competition will walk away with a $25,000 grand prize.
The show’s endurance is a testament to its ability to draw an audience. Season 25 attracted more than 750,000 viewers per episode, in addition to streaming on the Discovery+ app. Recent TV analytics ranked the audience demand for “Worst Cooks in America” in the 97th percentile of all reality shows. This family-friendly also enjoys a broad audience across the 18-34 and 25-54 age demographics.
2. Time of Essence – New Series
The Oprah Winfrey Network is preparing to launch a new docuseries in partnership with ESSENCE Magazine. “Time of Essence” will be a five-part, one-hour series celebrating the evolution of a trailblazing magazine that puts the focus on black women.
The series, which premieres on August 18 at 9/8c, will showcase some of the biggest moments in the magazine’s long, eventful history, and will feature the commentary of a wide range of well-known stars, including Halle Berry, Whoopi Goldberg, Regina Hall, and others.
With a global community of more than 20 million black women, a cable TV series focused on ESSENCE Magazine could enjoy a strong ratings performance thanks to this built-in audience. Meanwhile, 58 percent of OWN viewers watch at least 10 hours of cable TV per week, creating excellent connected TV advertising opportunities for businesses targeting women in the 25-to-54 demographic.
3. Kings of BBQ – New Series
Combine barbecue with comedy, and you get a show that can draw a large, diverse audience. “Kings of BBQ” premieres on August 12 at 9/8c on A&E, and it follows actors and comedians Anthony Anderson and Cedric the Entertainer as they set off on a quest to perfect the art form of barbecue.
Both performers have plans to build their own barbecue empire. In this 10-episode series, the two friends will travel the country seeking to learn the best techniques and traditions that can refine their barbecue and take their own skills to the next level.
With great connected TV advertising opportunities on a network that draws all types of viewers between 18 and 64 years old, “Kings of Barbecue” could be a great value add to your planned media buy.
Ready to plan new media buys that capitalize on upcoming programming opportunities? Contact Cox Media to get started today.
Click here to learn more about our cable TV programming options
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Jessica Sloan Heys
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