NY Times Crossword
January 14, 2010
Caleb Madison (adapted)
(Title shown below)

Each of the phrases below can be changed in the same way to create new ones. The new phrases may or may not make sense, but all the words in them are familiar.

1. TOY STORY
2. BEST IN SHOW
3. DRESSED TO KILL
4. THROW THE BALL
5. RIO GRANDE RIVER

HINTS:
A: The puzzle title is COMMERCIAL BREAK. 
B: The change involves adding the same two letters to one of the words in each phrase.

Answers:

The letters AD can be added to one of the word in each phrase to create a new one:

1. TOADY STORY
2. BEST IN SHADOW
3. ADDRESSED TO KILL
4. THROW THE BALLAD
5. RADIO GRANDE RIVER