The Pulse on Programming: December 2023 Preview

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.

The fourth quarter of the annual programming calendar is always jam-packed with holiday-themed programming and seasonal stunts that continue to draw strong cable TV viewership. This seasonal fare, combined with exciting new unscripted shows making their TV debut, will fill the void left by scripted shows still on pause due to the ongoing actors’ strike.

Remember: even if inventory for these specific shows are “sold out”, we offer a wide range of additional TV programming that can be used to reach your intended audience. Connect with Cox Media’s experts to learn more about the following television advertising opportunities, as well as additional programming that can help you connect with local consumers.

Here are three big television programming opportunities for December:

1. 25 Days of Christmas – Annual Opportunity

Freeform’s holiday programming schedule is packed with fun for the whole family. Starting on December 1, the cable channel will be airing dozens of popular holiday movies ranging from recent hits to decades-old classics.

Pour a glass of eggnog and find a spot on the couch to watch Home Alone, Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, The Santa Clause, and more. You won’t be alone: last year, Freeform’s “25 Days of Christmas” event lifted the cable network to the No. 1 ranking in cable entertainment between 6 and 11 p.m. among adults ages 18-49.

Given Freeform’s broad appeal among young adults and families, “25 Days of Christmas” will likely be one of the top cable and streaming destinations in the 2023 holiday season, making it a top advertising option for a wide range of businesses.

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2. OWN for the Holidays – Annual Opportunity

Audience demand for original holiday programming has shown no signs of slowing down. Instead, a growing number of cable TV networks are upping their investment into original movies featured as part of their annual holiday slate.

Add OWN to the list of cable networks targeting an eager holiday audience. After releasing two original holiday movies as part of its 2022 “OWN for the Holidays” event, the network has doubled down in 2023: four original holiday movies will be premiering on OWN in the month of December, featuring B.J. Britt, Javicia Leslie, and more.

“OWN for the Holidays” can be enjoyed on both linear cable and streaming services. It’s a great advertising option for businesses targeting women in the 25-to-54 demographic. Tune in December 2, 9, 16 and 23 at 9 PM EST to take part in the festivities.

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3. Science Fair: The Series – New Series

Based on the award-winning indie documentary Science Fair, National Geographic’s “Science Fair: The Series” will follow the journeys of young, promising scientists and innovators as they endure agony and ecstasy on their way to appearing at the holy grail of young scientist events: the International Science and Engineering Fair.

The spinoff series will debut on National Geographic on December 10 at 9/8c, and will also be available on Disney+. While younger audiences will surely tune in, National Geographic also draws large audiences in the A25-54 demographic, and the earlier success of the Science Fair film could mean that there’s a large built-in audience that will be tuning in to enjoy this new original series.

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Ready to plan new media buys that capitalize on what linear programming and streaming ads have to offer? Contact Cox Media to get started today.

Click here to learn more about our cable advertising opportunities