prime time

noun

, Radio and Television.

1. the hours, generally between 8 and 11 p.m., usually having the largest audience of the day.

prime time

noun

1. the peak viewing time on television, for which advertising rates are the highest

adjective

1. occurring during or designed for prime time

   a primetime drama

Word History and Origins

Origin of prime time¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

It was scheduled for a nation-wide half hour run in prime time on Oct. 27th, 1964.

From The Daily Beast

Fox News had its lowest ratings in prime time in the key 25- to 54-year-old demographic in 12 years.

From The Daily Beast

Wayne Brady tried in prime time in 2001, but the series was quickly relegated to daytime and then canceled after one season.

From The Daily Beast

What does it feel like to lose a million dollars, a free car, and your dignity, all in 30 minutes of prime-time television?

From The Daily Beast

That argument is unlikely to satisfy critics of the former CNN prime-time star.

From The Daily Beast

Striptease has moved from the back alleys of bigoted enjoyment into movie theaters, museums, prime time television, the Internet.

From Project Gutenberg