Of course here we have the option of watching the BBC channels which don't carry commercials - and the extent to which programmes can be interrupted by commercials is restricted, both by regulations and by practical considerations. (Too many commercials and you rapidly lose viewers, and the advertisers don't like that.)

But in themselves the presence or absence of commercials doesn't determine programme quality directly - what does that is when those commissioning programmes are trying to drive up viewing figures by any means, and at the same time trying to drive down costs. You end up, for example, with a mass of overhyped and exploitative "reality" shows. And that's a process that can screw up programming even in the absence of adverts.They are quite useful for giving you a chance to get a snack in the middle of a programme of course.

And commercial breaks can be quite useful for giving you a chance to get a snack (for example) in the middle of a programme.