We’re almost two months into 2016, and many of us are anxious for some of our favorite shows to premiere their long-awaited seasons later this Spring. Having gone to CES 2016 for the first time this past January, I can’t help but look at some of the cinematography with a new-found appreciation as an episode of Game of Thrones or Fear The Walking Dead unfolds on the screen. The entertainment that shows like this provide during that brief one-hour period of our day took an enormous amount of effort and money to bring to fruition. From the creative scripting to the actors’ talent to the equipment involved, there’s no way to possibly list every technological or production task that goes into bringing us the stories we see on television.

Both the quality and quantity of the programming available have increased because behind the scenes cable invests billions of dollars every year to meet the demands of our diverse interests and the pace at which the new media economy moves.  According to SNL Kagan, investment in programming topped $35 billion in 2015 alone, but what is even more remarkable is how much investment has accelerated over the past two decades, as you can see in the chart below. Investment in cable programming in 2015 was seven times more than it was in 1996 when it was $5 billion.

INVESTMENT IN PROGRAMMING

The originality in storytelling and the plethora of niche shows we see on cable today has helped many of us find a creative space for ourselves, and given us the freedom to explore new topics and ways of thinking that are new to us. Today, we are proud to say that in the past two decades, $341.7 billion has gone into bringing the type of programming that continues to inspire viewers and push their boundaries, dominate at globally-recognized award shows like the Emmy’s, and break viewership records year after year in a time when there’s never before been so many ways to watch television.

For more interesting fact and figures, visit the NCTA Industry Data Page.