Prolific TV producer David E. Kelley says the growing number of commercials on network TV may make him consider a move to cable.

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"If the commercial encroachment becomes worse, it's probably something that we'll all consider," Kelley said Tuesday during the Television Critics Association's summer press tour at the Beverly Hilton.

Back in the heyday of his 1986-1984 drama, "L.A. Law," there was 48 minutes of show and rest filled by ads. Now, he said, his "Boston Legal" runs a little over 41 minutes with nearly 20 taken up by commercials.

With only about eight minutes between commercial breaks it's harder to build characters that grab viewers and keep the flow of emotional stories, he said.