Porn: Business of Pleasure

Inside the Business of Porn

It was once too taboo to talk about, but not anymore. In the new CNBC original production "Porn: Business of Pleasure" nothing is off limits when it comes to the controversial multi-billion dollar industry that aims to please but has been known to offend.

The porn industry has changed technology and can be found in millions of homes, hotel rooms and hard drives across the country. BUT, the business is facing economic challenges. It's under assault and not just from the many critics who see it as socially corroding, degrading to women and a risk to the young.

CNBC takes an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look inside the multibillion dollar pornography business, from the threats to its profitability to exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews with the industry's biggest stars to the one issue that could bring the adult industry to it's knees. CNBC's Melissa Lee reports on "Porn: Business of Pleasure."

Program Highlights

  • Porn – Anytime, Anywherere

    Thanks to technology, the peep show now comes to you. Porn is readily available on DVD, the Internet or even your iPhone or Blackberry. Pink Visual offers mobile downloads.

  • Sasha Grey

    Sasha Grey is the star of The Girlfriend Experience by Academy Award wining Director Steven Soderbergh. She's savvy about her brand and career.

  • The New Producers of Porn

    These days€™ women aren't just in front of the camera. They'€™re behind the scenes running studios, directing firms and starting the next generation of adult companies.

  • Porn Piracy

    Porn profits are under assault and by some estimates DVD sales are down 50% from last year. Technology has created some of porn's biggest problems.

  • Jesse Jane

    'It'€™s a job and you have to treat it like a job." Having sex on films is what porn star Jesse Jane is best known for. She'€™s starred in the mega-budget porn flick Pirates 2.

Web Extras

  • In the new CNBC Original Production “Porn: Business of Pleasure” nothing is off limits when it comes to the $13 billion industry that aims to please but has been known to offend.

    In the new CNBC Original Production “Porn: Business of Pleasure” nothing is off limits when it comes to the $13 billion industry that aims to please but has been known to offend.

  • From her modest Oklahoma home to the center stage of the adult film world.  CNBC's "" takes you backstage and at home with mega Porn Star Jessie Jane.

    From her modest Oklahoma home to the center stage of the adult film world.CNBC's "Business of Pleasure" takes you backstage and at home with mega Porn Star Jesse Jane.

  • The Adult Entertainment industry, although taboo in nature, is serious business. Every year, the top trade publication for the adult industry, the Adult Video Network (AVN), holds the Adult Entertainment Expo in Las Vegas, which is touted as the industry’s largest event worldwide. How big is the adult entertainment industry? The most recent numbers from AVN's 2006 report show industry-wide sales to exceed $12.92 billion, although more conservative estimates place this number significantly lower.

    Adult DVD Empire is the largest online retailer of adult entertainment and it has compiled a list of its all-time best-selling adult DVDs. Click ahead to see the list...

Related Links

About Porn: Business of Pleasure

  • Controversial, provocative, profitable, and under assault. CNBC takes you inside the $13 billion business of pleasure.

Contact Porn: Business of Pleasure

  • Show Times

    Check the U.S. schedule for upcoming show times.