• Thursday's presidential debate will feature commercials for the very first time
• Struggling with ratings, CNN is banking on the event to draw in viewers and millions in revenue
• Rival networks can air the live broadcast and run their own ads, setting them up to outperform CNN

Faced with lagging viewership, CNN is anticipating that Thursday's presidential debate will rake in huge sums. Yet other networks are allowed to air the live broadcast of the showdown, setting them up to outperform CNN at its own game.

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump's uncharacteristically early face-off is notable for various reasons, namely the two commercial breaks that will splice up the 90-minute debate. Presidential debates have historically been ad-free, but CNN is offering two tiers of advertising this year, with the most robust package costing a minimum of $1.5 million, sources told Semafor.

Though CNN is hosting and moderating the debate from its studios in Atlanta, other networks can sell their own advertisements during their simulcasts. Given that some of those networks, like Fox News and MSNBC, typically have a larger primetime audience than CNN, they may be able to sell advertising slots for more money, Variety reports.

Per CNN's rules, networks cannot plug commercial breaks with commentary from their own on-air personalities and must keep the CNN logo visible.

A CNN spokesperson told Business Insider that the network is making the debate available across a variety of platforms in an effort to reach as many people as possible, and a representative for Fox News pointed to the network's press release about its coverage. Other networks did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment.

With cable news channels like CNN facing questions about their futures, the presidential election serves as a potential opportunity to boost viewership. As Semafor notes, the election so far hasn't generated the same level of attention as recent races, but debates — especially the early ones — historically generate high ratings.

Clea Conner, the CEO of Open to Debate, a nonpartisan organization, told Politico that the decision to air advertisements is "shameful" and likened the event to reality television.

"Even though there will be only two commercial breaks this time, once we deem them acceptable it's a classic slippery slope," she told Politico. "How many will there be next time, and the time after that?

• I'm an interior designer, and I chose furniture and decor I'd buy from the furniture retailer CB2.
• The Enyo travertine coffee table and Derrico acacia-wood coffee table are statement pieces.
• I'd upgrade a space with light-brown velvet Bettie throw pillows and CB2's Weaver Bird bust.

As the US housing market continues to stretch wallets and put homeownership out of reach, many furniture retailers are seeing a dip in sales. After all, the fewer houses that sell, the fewer there are to furnish.

But I'm an interior designer who's spent years working with all sorts of spaces and a range of budgets. I believe it's worth investing in timeless, well-crafted pieces even if you're decorating a rental.

One retailer I enjoy shopping at is CB2, a high-end treasure trove of modern furnishings and accents that never fail to impress me.

Here are nine pieces I'd buy there right now.

Use the Derrico acacia-wood coffee table to add visual interest to a living room.

The sculpted organic shape of this Derrico acacia-wood table brings fluidity and movement to a room. Each table is unique, showcasing grain patterns, knots, and textures that add warmth and character to a space.

With its natural finish and minimalist design, it serves as a versatile centerpiece, ideal for any living room (especially one going for an organic modern look).

The Enyo travertine coffee table is a timeless and dramatic statement piece.

The only thing I love more than an oversized coffee table is an oversized travertine coffee table.

There's something inherently timeless about natural materials and stone, so this piece won't be out of style anytime soon. Plus, travertine can be an exceptionally durable material that works well on a coffee table.

This black wall mirror has a horn frame that makes it a focal point.

Add a touch of drama to your walls with this striking organic-shaped mirror with a hand-inlaid horn frame.

The mirror's fluid contours and dynamic silhouette can add depth to your space while also creating a captivating focal point.

I adore CB2's Weaver Bird black-fiber clay bust.

The Weaver Bird black-fiber clay bust depicts Muthoni wa Kirim, a high-ranking freedom fighter in 1950s Kenya.

I love that this piece departs from traditionally European-centric bust sculptures. It's the first bust I've encountered depicting a Black person, and its significance resonates deeply.

The sleek matte-black finish and sculpted curves evoke a sense of modern elegance and powerfully celebrate diversity.

The Faible wheat-performance-velvet sectional sofa is sleek.

I love a deep-seat sofa, but it's hard to find ones that still feel sleek. With clean lines and a buttery-soft texture, this Faible sofa strikes the ideal balance between sophistication and coziness.

The fabric is undeniably beautiful and comes in several different swatches, too.

Use the Kota round marble dining table to eat at or to decorate a foyer.

I'm obsessed with this sleek round marble dining table from CB2. Its silhouette is accentuated by a tiered effect in the marble, creating a sculptural masterpiece that combines form and function.

Although it's probably most often used as a dining table, it also works well as a stunning entry table in a grand foyer or lobby.

The Copernicus tarnished-silver wall sconce is a showstopper.

The tarnished-silver finish of the Copernicus wall sconce is highly reflective and creates a stunning play of light and shadow that adds depth and dimension to a space.

Because it uses tapered candles, it's perfect for illuminating walls without hardwiring or unsightly cords. Really, it's a sophisticated solution to ambient lighting.

I would recommend flanking a piece of art with these sconces in a dining room.

You can use light-brown velvet Bettie throw pillows in just about any space.

CB2's Bettie throw pillow in light-brown velvet is perfectly neutral, meaning it effortlessly complements any decor scheme.

The plush velvet makes the pillow luxurious, and the subtle fringe detail gives it extra visual interest as a stylish accent piece.

A smoked wall mirror is a unique way to add personality to your home.

Even with its smoky finish, this 48-inch ultra-modern mirror can brighten dark corners by reflecting light from different angles.

Plus, its curved surface adds a playful distortion to reflections, making it an instant conversation starter.

• I'm an American who moved to Paris 15 years ago, and I've enjoyed living here.
• A few French-inspired lifestyle changes have made the biggest difference in my day to day.
• I disconnect from work, take real midday lunch breaks, and cook more meals with fresh produce. 

Fifteen years ago, I met with love on New York's Prince Street. The stuff of fairy tales? Mais oui! He was a handsome Italian living in Paris.

Five months and many visits after our first encounter, I bid farewell to my family, friends, and customs and moved to France, welcoming all the curiosities and clichés composing my new life.

Thanks to my Polish mother, I had an EU passport and an open mind that I credit to my bicultural upbringing. And, looking back after well over a decade of la vie Parisienne, I can say I've adapted well.

There have been difficulties along the way. After all, Paris is still one of the most expensive cities to live in.

But these five lifestyle changes have allowed me to embrace French culture in the best way — you may want to give them a try wherever you are.

Since moving to Paris, taking time for a midday meal has become a welcome practice

Lunch was more of an afterthought during my chaotic life in New York City, where I'd often stare into my computer screen while gulping down a Cobb salad.

These days, lunch is an event. Whether I'm attending a fancy work lunch or grabbing a bite with friends, I take time to consider not only the menu but also my company. Sometimes, even a glass of wine is part of the ceremony.

On days when I'm pressed for time, I'll dine at home or pick up a fresh baguette and savor every crispy bite from a bench in my neighborhood park.

Eating on the run (or in the metro) is a thing of the past. I also allow for a coffee break in the afternoon in which I perch at a café and watch the world go by, even for just a moment.

Farm-to-table dining is a way of life in France, both in restaurants and at home

Cooking has become a regular ritual, and one that I even enjoy, particularly when my Italian chef takes over.

Most of my meals used to be eaten outside of my home, if not ordered in. Now, rather than amassing takeaway menus, I collect cookbooks.

With two farmers markets weekly per neighborhood in Paris, I also now think in terms of seasons when it comes to food. Every spring, I look forward to the strawberry harvest. Before moving, I'd never even been aware of all the varieties and flavors of the fruit.

There are also many vegetables, like white asparagus and turnips, I once took no notice of that now play a leading role in my kitchen.

It feels like quite a contrast to life in New York, where supermarket shelves were fully stocked regardless of what was actually in season.

Wine has become my drink of choice

From Bordeaux to Burgundy, wine has become my drink of choice in a country reputed for its vineyards.

My frequent nights of cocktails followed by late-night fare have been replaced by a glass of wine paired with a healthy dinner. My body thanks me — after all, red wine is a healthier option than sugary mixed drinks.

Plus, nothing complements a well-cooked meal like a good vintage.

With so many leading bars in my neighborhood (like Little Red Door and Candelaria), I still enjoy a creative libation but much prefer the early evening art of the apéro.

I've become passionate about sustainability in fashion

One of the most significant lifestyle changes I've made since moving to Paris is connected to sustainability.

Living in the fashion capital and moonlighting as a handbag designer has led me to meet talented fellow designers who produce limited-edition collections in Paris.

I've become dedicated to supporting these local artisans by almost entirely shopping for items made here, and vintage clothing and accessories.

My new philosophy of collecting instead of consuming allows me to save both time and money by not being tempted by fast fashion and fads. Plus, I buy less but better.

To further celebrate local design, I even lead custom fashion tours to introduce visitors to unique and ethically-minded Parisian brands.

Lastly, I've learned how to disconnect from work

As much as I love what I do for work, I understand how important it is to rest and reset.

That doesn't mean a month of summer Fridays, as was the practice for many companies in New York. In France (and much of Western Europe), it means taking off all or most of August to soak beneath the Mediterranean sun or retreat to a family home in the countryside.

I still do tend to check my emails often — I am a New Yorker, after all — but I embrace the month when Paris rests, and life is lived at a slower and more mindful pace.

• A US military aircraft landed on Peleliu's WWII airstrip, reopening it after many years.
• The Peleliu airstrip, vital during the 1944 battle, was restored by Marine Corps engineers.
• The landing could enhance US military capabilities to counter China in the Indo-Pacific.

A US military cargo plane returned to a World War II airstrip on Saturday, a site in the Pacific region that Marines had to reclaim.

"The landing of the C-130 on the resurfaced runway after many years hopefully begins a new chapter for a prosperous future of Peleliu island," Peleliu Governor Emais Roberts said in a United States Indo-Pacific Command press release.

The Peleliu airstrip, also known as the Sledge runway, was the scene of the 1944 Battle of Peleliu, in which 8,000 Marines and soldiers were wounded, and about 1,800 service members were killed; the Imperial Japanese forces suffered an estimated 10,900 casualties.

Marine Corps Engineer Detachment Palau 24.1 has made efforts to restore the strip since then. The runway was named for Eugene Sledge, an enlisted Marine veteran whose memoir of the desperate Peleliu battle formed a basis for the HBO miniseries "The Pacific."

The aircraft's touchdown on the Peleliu airstrip epitomizes the US military's expanding footprint as it recognizes more bases may be needed to counter China's military build-up.

Peleliu, an island of Micronesia that belongs to the nation of Palau, is part of the jurisdictions the US military is trying to gain exclusive access to. The island in the southern Philippine Sea may hold renewed strategic value in the face of China's growing missile arsenal.

In March, President Joe Biden renewed compacts and secured $7.1 billion dollars for Palau, Micronesia, and the Marshall Islands.

This would allow the US to gain access to resources like air, land, and sea territory. Palau citizens would also be permitted to work, study, join the US military, and receive access to veteran healthcare.

The US has been scouring the region for other historic airfields that can be rebuilt. Last year, the US checked up on the island of Tinian, a piece of US territory belonging to Guam, where another airfield was heavily used during WWII.

In April of this year, it was announced that an airfield construction project would be completed in Tinian and is expected to be finished within five years.

US forces have been trying to compete with China's growing military presence, which is capable of striking American bases using long-range missiles it has developed in recent years.

Jonathan Bailey was fully naked, lying on a slab at a bathing house in Morocco when a woman whispered a sentiment to him that he'd heard countless times before: "I love 'Bridgerton.'"

The actor, who stars as Anthony Bridgerton in the hit series, was across the world from his home in the UK. But, as Bailey told BI, "You're never too far from someone who loves 'Bridgerton.'"

Such is the global reach of Netflix's Regency-era drama, which released its third season in two parts this spring. Adapted from Julia Quinn's romance novel series of the same name and centered on the love lives of eight siblings from a noble family, "Bridgerton" has become a pop-culture phenomenon since its first season premiered in 2020. It's smashed viewership records, inspired "SNL" skits, and sparked renewed interest in the Regency era's fashion and culture — all proving that superproducer Shonda Rhimes still has the golden touch.

On paper, a show about high society in 1800s England doesn't seem like an obvious slam dunk. But "Bridgerton" is not your mother's stuffy historical drama. From its steamy sex scenes to its "color-conscious" casting to its deliberately modern touches like a soundtrack full of orchestral covers of pop songs, "Bridgerton" grabbed viewers' attention by offering something familiar yet unique, sexy yet demure.

That's translated into big wins for Netflix. Season one was viewed by 82 million households globally in its first 28 days, surpassing Netflix's own projections and dethroning the fantasy series "The Witcher," which previously held the record with 76 million views; season one of "Bridgerton" is still one of Netflix's most popular English TV shows. The fan base's appetite has only grown larger since 2020: A prequel spin-off series, "Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story" premiered in 2023; a web series following one lucky fan couple as they planned the "Bridgerton"-themed wedding of their dreams premiered in 2024.

With "Bridgerton" mania sweeping the world each time a new season drops, brands are also hopping on the bandwagon, collaborating with the Netflix series to release everything from "Bridgerton"-branded bath bombs and body balms to satin pillowcases and scrunchies. It's a testament not just to the show's distinct marketability but to its fervent fans, who are opening their wallets and snapping up products so quickly they sell out.

The fans have a point: why simply like a TV show when you can be a part of the Ton?

'Bridgerton' provided escapist entertainment during a period of isolation

"Bridgerton," created by Chris Van Dusen, was set up for success from the start. With the backing of Shondaland, "Grey's Anatomy" and "Scandal" creator Rhimes' production company, it had built-in hype, not to mention a legion of already-established fans of Quinn's New York Times-bestselling book series.

When season one premiered in December 2020, it also had the benefit of a captive audience. With the world months into COVID-19 lockdown, people were confined to their homes and yearning for connection — or at least, something to watch while sitting inside.

Then there was the show itself. The world of "Bridgerton" presented an alternate universe: a reimagined Regency era that normalized diversity and had no shortage of drama or titillating sex scenes. All of it struck a chord with viewers.

"I think 'Bridgerton' came at a time when we all just really desperately needed an escape," said Cat Quinn, a content creator who frequently posts about the show. "People just wanted to step into this fantasy that was filled with these gorgeous characters and costumes and sets and storylines — something that was unapologetically romantic and sexy and beautiful."

The show's aesthetic took hold: Regency-core became a fashion trend, people suddenly took a lot more interest in drinking tea, and Vitamin String Quartet's covers saw a surge in streams after being featured on the show in dreamy ballroom sequences and intimate scenes.

It helped that the show's diversity and deliberately anachronistic choices made the era feel more modern and approachable, like a historical fantasy anybody could feel comfortable reveling in.

"Shonda Rhimes opened the doors of historical period romance to these communities of people who never saw themselves represented in that space before," Quinn, the content creator, said. "It really set the stage for other releases like 'Barbie' and showed that women's stories are not only worthy of being told, but also [can be] incredibly successful blockbuster hits and lifestyle brands."

Julia Quinn's 2000 novel "The Duke and I," which was adapted for season one of "Bridgerton," reentered The New York Times bestseller list for the first time in years after the show premiered. And this time, more than two decades after "The Duke and I" was originally published, a new audience could dissect the book on a new platform: TikTok.

In the "BookTok" corner of the app, where avid readers discuss their favorite books, users began cataloging the differences between the source material and the show and discussing elements of the novels that didn't age well. All of it was a boon for sales of Quinn's novels and the popularity of the often overlooked (but now-booming) romance genre in general, as many viewers discovered "Bridgerton" and then sought out the books to continue getting their fix of the story.

Not only did "Bridgerton" fans read the novels, but they showed off the books themselves — original editions, newer covers, and limited edition variant box sets — on BookTok. One fan even took customization to another level by rebinding the second book and turning the cover into an ornate red-and-gold masterpiece.

The 'Bridgerton' aesthetic is eminently marketable

A show with such potent fan and aesthetic appeal is the perfect storm for brands, who were eager to collaborate with Netflix and Shondaland for product tie-ins. For season three of "Bridgerton," Netflix and Shondaland partnered with companies to sell everything from makeup and patterned rugs to pet accessories and macarons.

But these brands didn't simply put the "Bridgerton" logo on a product and call it merch. Instead, they took care to develop products that feel like they could have been plucked directly from the "Bridgerton" set — or, at the very least, evoke the same feeling of the show.

Cassandra Morales Thurswell, founder and CEO of Kitsch, said that the Netflix and Shondaland teams gave the hair care company "freedom within a framework" to design their products. The result was Kitsch's season three collection, which uses a print directly inspired by Daphne Bridgerton's beaded and embroidered dress from season one.

The Republic of Tea released four new teas encased in collectible tins focused on the main characters in season three: a ginger peach vanilla tea for Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington, a lemon mint black tea for Eloise Bridgerton, a rose chamomile tea for Francesca Bridgerton, and a triple Earl Grey tea for the three eldest Bridgerton sons.

The Republic of Tea vice president of sales and communication Kristina Tucker described the process as an "integrated collaboration" in which a select few people at the beverage company got glimpses into the characters and colors that would be used in the season three months before release to help craft their product.

But not every company has a product that's as seamless a fit in the "Bridgerton" world as tea. Bath & Body Works chief customer officer Maurice Cooper told BI that the company viewed collaborating with "Bridgerton" as "a big opportunity for us to think differently about how we would deepen fandom."

The company took a cue from one of the season's most anticipated scenes — "the mirror scene" — and released a gold-colored tilting mirror tray that sold out in roughly two weeks. The 36-piece collection also included a carriage-shaped hand sanitizer holder in an homage to a key scene in season three and a crown-shaped candle holder. To further spread the word about the partnership, Bath & Body Works placed a 10-foot "diamond of the season" candle in New York City's Flatiron district as part of a two-day activation that attracted fans and curious passersby.

A company once known for fruity body sprays might not be synonymous with Regency-core elegance yet, but Cooper said the collaboration is helping Bath & Body Works build a new identity. "It made sense for us because when you look at the demographic profile of 'Bridgerton,' it is a younger audience, it is more diverse, and this is really critical to our growth journey as well," he said.

For kitchenware and houseware brand Williams Sonoma, a "Bridgerton" collaboration was an easy way to lean into already rising food and design trends around entertaining, teatime, and picnics.

"You're seeing so much floral and femininity in fashion, but the same is also true for home design, where maximalism and pattern play and traditional details and 'grandma chic' are gaining popularity," said Kendall Coleman, Williams Sonoma's vice president of public relations. "It can be very chicken or egg, which came first. But the truth is they're just playing so well together, and as people are exploring these design trends and these food trends, it's running parallel to the popularity of that show."

Williams Sonoma's "Bridgerton" collection includes more than 20 products with Regency-era flair: a handwoven picnic basket, a breakable chocolate teapot filled with candy jewels, baking mixes, tableware, and an eight-day countdown calendar with a different surprise for every episode of season three.

All these inescapable "Bridgerton" collaborations walk a fine line between satisfying passionate viewers and oversaturating the market. Season three of the show "didn't so much premiere as invade," Los Angeles Times culture critic Mary McNamara wrote in a column about the series' marketing blitz. Yet she conceded that, for the most part, the series' publicity tour and brand collaborations have been met with praise.

For now, people are buying into the marketing — literally. Melody Morton, creative concepts director at the cosmetics company Lush, said the brand saw an uplift of 25% in sales from new subscribers for their "Bridgerton"-themed subscription box, which featured products like a Penelope Featherington cleanser and a diamond-shaped body scrub.

Not only did Bath & Body Works' "Bridgerton" products sell well, Cooper said, but they helped attract younger customers to stores thanks to promotional efforts on social media, where the "Bridgerton" campaign was the company's "most engaged" effort of the year.

Not to mention, "we had people showing up in Regency garb to buy our products," he added.

The 'Bridgerton' hype is a win-win for the show and for fans

The weekend before the season three premiere, "Bridgerton" transformed a plaza in New York City into a Regency-style market and promenade that featured items from collaborations with Bath & Body Works, International Delight, Ladurée, Kiko Milano, and more.

More than 2,000 fans and influencers waited in lines spanning several blocks for hours, eager to immerse themselves in the pop-up; catch a glimpse of stars Jonathan Bailey, Jessica Madsen, and Hannah Dodd; and watch dancers perform as live musicians played classical renditions of Miley Cyrus' "Wrecking Ball" and Billie Eilish's "Bad Guy."

Bailey tossed "Bridgerton"-themed bracelets at fans waiting to get in, scents from the Bath & Body Works collection wafted through the air, and people dressed as members of the Ton greeted guests with special issues of Lady Whistledown's gossip column filled with information about the pop-up's activities. Madsen and Dodd told BI that one fan even drove 11 hours to attend the promenade takeover.

The event felt exclusive yet egalitarian — exactly like the world of "Bridgerton." With its expansive marketing blitz, Netflix has shown its crown jewel doesn't have to be rare to be considered precious.