As Seen On TV

About the Show

CNBC takes you into the high-pressure world of infomercials where sales are skyrocketing. Sports Business Reporter Darren Rovell sits down pitchmen and their products for an all-access look at a booming business and it's out-of-this-world profits.

It's a $150 Billion industry, promising people everything from perfect abs to the Perfect Pancake.

Two minutes or less of carefully-crafted commerce aimed solely at making you buy, and buy NOW! A 25-year-old industry whose sales are increasing, despite today's turbulent economy.

CNBC Emmy-nominated Sports Business Reporter Darren Rovell goes inside the big business of direct-response infomercials that's made the Snuggie, ShamWow! and the Ginsu Knife household names.

Rovell sits down with the industry heavyweights like inventor Ron Popeil, the late pitch man Billy Mays and Telebrands CEO AJ Khubani, tests which products are busts or buys, and uncovers the psychology behind why some sales pitches strikeout while others are hit out of the park.

But, WAIT! There's more...

Web Extras

  • The formula sounds simple: Product + Pitch + Pizazz = Infomercial.  But it's really a combination of science and skill, and yes, the requisite amount of silliness, that goes into creating an ad that will make you get up and buy.  CNBC Originals takes you inside the world of the infomercials."" premieres Wednesday, April 22  9p | 10p | 1a ET

    It's really a combination of science and skill, and yes, the requisite amount of silliness, that goes into a creating an ad that will make you get up and buy.

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