Graveyard slot (television time slot)

Typical characteristics

Programming in the graveyard slot frequently includes reruns of network and syndicated series, infomercials, public service content, paid programming and, in some cases, regional or affiliate material. Because ratings are minimal, advertising rates are lower and networks often permit local stations considerable discretion over what to air. The slot exists where late‑night television ends and the first morning shows have not yet begun, a corridor sometimes called the overnight window.

Audience and usage

Many people are asleep at home or not watching broadcast television during these hours; others may be at work or commuting, so live viewership is limited. Broadcasters thus prioritize low‑cost or revenue‑generating content and occasionally experiment with niche or international programming. With the rise of streaming and DVRs, the graveyard slot's role as a discovery venue for new shows has diminished, but it remains useful for filling schedules and meeting contractual or regulatory obligations.

History and origin

The phrase echoes the older term "graveyard shift" used for late‑night work. Television networks developed formal overnight lineups as broadcasting technology and 24‑hour operations expanded. Some networks have maintained dedicated overnight news or magazine programs: for example, major U.S. networks have offered overnight news on ABC and CBS, while others, like NBC, operated overnight services during particular eras such as the 1980s (see historical example).

Examples, distinctions and modern context

• Local affiliates often insert weather, community programming or paid spots into the graveyard slot.
• Sports events that run late or live international feeds sometimes spill into these hours.
• Compared with prime time, the graveyard slot carries far fewer viewers, lower ad rates and more flexible scheduling.

Although traditional broadcast importance has waned as audiences shift to on‑demand viewing, the graveyard slot still matters operationally: it provides a predictable place for low‑cost content, experiments, and overnight news distribution while reflecting the larger shift in how and when people consume television. Networks and stations plan it knowing that early morning viewing patterns differ sharply from prime time, and that many people will not be watching because they are asleep or at work. The term and its practices vary by country and by broadcaster, adapting to local schedules and technological change.

For additional resources and historical schedules, consult network archives and broadcast histories (reference) or contemporary programming guides (see listings).