Rerun

Rerun is a term used as both a noun and a verb to describe the act of running something again. In broadcasting, a rerun denotes a previously aired television or radio program shown again. In computing and data processing, a rerun refers to re-executing a program, script, or workflow with the same or updated inputs to reproduce results or update outputs.

In television and media, reruns fill schedules, maximize audience reach, or monetize existing library content. They may be aired unmodified or with edits such as updated credits, contextual inserts, or censored material. Reruns are common in syndication, streaming libraries, and seasonal programming, and they can help networks manage demand and licensing costs.

In computing and data workflows, reruns are used to verify behavior and reproduce results. Re-executing a test suite after code changes helps confirm that fixes did not break other parts of the system. Rerunning data pipelines can refresh analyses with new data or parameters. The determinism of a rerun depends on the task and environment; some processes yield identical results, while others vary due to randomness, timing, or external data sources.

Other contexts include scientific experiments, where a rerun is performed to validate findings, and everyday language, where people refer to watching or presenting something again. Copyright, licensing, and access rights often govern whether and how content can be rerun in broadcasting and distribution.