In broadcast programming and from motion picture industry the term, tent-pole programming is for a production expected to hold up (as is the function of a tent pole) and balance out the financial performance of a movie studio or television network. In the movie business, tent poles are sometimes widely released initial offerings in a string of releases and are expected by studios to turn a profit in a short period of time. Such programming is often accompanied by larger budgets and heavy promotion.[1] An example of this strategy in television is to schedule a popular television program alongside new or unknown programming, in an attempt to keep audience viewers watching after the flagship program is over; a prominent example is the long-running Star Trek franchise.[2]
The term is derived from the image of a big circus tent held up by large tent poles. In times past, the circus coming to town anywhere was a major attraction, and, like the circus, a major movie "tent-pole" event today is one producers hope or expect crowds will attend.