Television networks strategically coordinate commercial breaks, making it challenging for viewers to seamlessly switch between channels during advertising intervals. When attempting to watch multiple programs simultaneously, audiences quickly discover that different channels align their commercial schedules, effectively preventing channel-hopping during breaks.

It is not always that way, but they are pretty good at it to the point that it can be frustrating. However, one would think there are times it is difficult or even impossible. For instance, during sports events, the commercial breaks are unpredictable. Or, at least a person would think so.

Frustrated by the constant interruption of advertisements, I found myself channel-hopping between CBS’s Sheriff Country and the World Series on FOX, only to be met with back-to-back commercials on both networks, disrupting my evening’s entertainment on both channels.

I comprehend their strategy, but I’m perplexed by the execution. How could they possibly anticipate the precise moment of an at-bat’s conclusion? Perhaps the CBS team was monitoring the game live and swiftly transitioned to commercials immediately after the third out. Is such meticulous timing even manageable?