prime time

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prime time

A family gathers in the living room to watch a prime time television show.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • The peak evening viewing period for television: The specific block of hours, traditionally between 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. (or 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. in some regions), when the largest potential audience is available to watch television. This period is characterized by the broadcast of a network's most popular and expensive programming.
Usage
  • Prime time is used as a singular, uncountable noun to refer to the television scheduling period itself.
  • It is commonly used in contexts related to broadcasting, advertising, media planning, and entertainment.
  • Example:
Examples
  • Noun:
    • Advertising slots during prime time are the most expensive due to the high viewership.
    • Most major networks schedule their most important shows for prime time to attract the biggest audience.
    • The debate was broadcast in prime time, ensuring maximum exposure.
Advanced Usage
  • "Prime-time" as an adjective (often hyphenated): Used to describe something related to or suitable for the prime time period.
    • She is a prime-time news anchor. (She anchors the news during the peak evening hours.)
    • The channel invested in a new prime-time drama. (A drama series intended for broadcast during prime time.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Prime-time (adj): As described above.
  • Primetime: A common alternative spelling, often used as a single word, especially in media and business contexts (e.g., "primetime television").
Synonyms
  • Peak viewing hours: A more descriptive synonym emphasizing the time of highest audience numbers.
  • Evening slot: A more general term for a broadcast time in the evening, not necessarily implying the largest audience.
Related Idioms and Phrases
  • "To be prime-time material": An idiom meaning something or someone is of high enough quality or appeal to be featured during the prime time slot.
    • The young comedian's act is hilarious; he's definitely prime-time material.
  • "A prime-time player": Originally from sports broadcasting, this phrase is used metaphorically to describe a key performer or important figure in any field, especially one who performs well under high-pressure or high-visibility conditions.
    • In the world of finance, she is considered a prime-time player.
prime time

A family gathers in the living room to watch a prime time television show.

Noun
  1. the hours between 7 and 11 p.m. when the largest tv audience is available