Why are animated films and TV shows often shorter than live action ones?

Question

While most live action movies are usually two hours long, only a few animated movies have that run time.

And episodes of live action shows are usually 40+ minutes long while animated shows have episodes that are 22 minutes long.

Why is this the case?

In: 1

Answer 1

Cartoons don’t emote. They don’t walk meaningfully or pensively around a hospital waiting room. They tell their story faster, so yes, movies like the original Lion King are 1.5 hours.

Also, comedy TV shows (which cartoons are) are 22 minutes for a half-hour broadcast. Dramas are 44 minutes for a one hour broadcast. Eight minutes of commercials per half-hour of air time. It is the universal rule of television since the days of I Love Lucy and Gunsmoke.