Primetime's Priciest Shows: How 'American Idol,' 'Sunday Night Football' and More Stack Up for Advertisers (Photos)

“Grey’s Anatomy” slips, while “X Factor” earns the title of most expensive new show.

4:47 PM PDT 10/26/2011 by Sophie A. Schillaci

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While viewers are grabbing a snack, taking a bathroom break or anxiously awaiting the next chapter of their favorite show, advertisers are shelling out big bucks to land their 30-second spots during primetime’s hottest titles.

TV's Priciest Primetime Shows for Advertisers

PHOTOS: TV's Most Expensive Primetime Shows for Advertisers

A recent study by AdAge analyzes which shows are raking in the most cash, while others are slipping from their previously held ranks. Among the priciest shows – American Idol, which can pull up to $640,000 per spot as the finale nears, Sunday Night Football, earning $512,367 on average and Family Guy, notching an average of $264,912 per ad.

Though ratings initially fell short of expectations, Fox’s freshman singing competition The X Factor is still the most expensive new show for advertisers, commanding an average of $320,000 per ad during its Wednesday slot and $283,034 on Thursday.

Click through THR’s photo gallery for a closer look at which shows are most desirable for advertisers and just how much they’re actually worth.