Thaindian News

London, March 19 (ANI): A survey by Forbes magazine has revealed that reality show ‘American Idol’ has made more money from advertising revenue than any other US TV show in 2010.

The singing contest raked in an estimated 7.1m dollars (4.4m pounds) every half hour during its last series.

Far behind in second place was Charlie Sheen’s former comedy show ‘Two and A Half Men’, with 2.9m dollars (1.8m pounds).

Data was taken from Kantar Media, who surveyed all regular prime time shows, excluding sports events.

‘American Idol’ 2010 figures were down 1m dollars (620,000 pounds) on the previous year.

Simon Cowell was still on the judging panel in the last series, accompanied by Ellen DeGeneres, Kara DioGuardi and Randy Jackson.

Following Sheen’s sacking from ‘Two and A Half Men’, it remains to be seen whether the show can continue to generate as much revenue, Kantar’s Jon Swallen said.

“The show is built around the interplay between two contrasting characters,” the BBC quoted Swallen as saying.

“If you remove one, it fundamentally makes it a different show. If it comes back on the air there will be a curiosity factor but after a few episodes it will have to rise or fall on its own merit,” Swallen added. (ANI)