Prime Time

As a big shot executive you need to keep your network popular with new shows and high paying commercials. A basic goal for any TV show is to "win" its time slot for the network by staggering ratings, and thus gross more revenue. As you add talented actors, producers and writers to the show, you’ll have to optimize your weekly schedule to win over the most viewers. Will you be putting your best shows early in the week? What will you leave for the Friday night death slot? Make your choices wisely so you don’t get screwed by the network.

A game takes place over 6 rounds, divided into two seasons of 3 rounds each. Each round follows these 4 phases:

• Development phase – Players take turns until each player has taken 3 actions each.
• Broadcasting phase – Players set their schedule and attract demographics.
• Award show phase (only in rounds 3 and 6) – Players score points.
• Income phase – Get paid, clear the board and set up for the new round.

After the Awards Phase in Round 6, the game ends after final scoring takes place. Each player counts their remaining cash, subtracts the value of his bonds, sum printed value for each broadcasted card (show or talent) and gains 1 VP for each full $3. The player with the most VP wins the game! In a case of a tie, the player amongst those tied with the higher total value of his current Shows on his player board wins the game. If there is still a tie then the winners will split the honors.