The Rival Networks

About this board game

The Rival Networks is a standalone two-player board game that plays in about 45 minutes, challenging each player to build the more successful television network across three seasons.

Each network begins with three terrible Shows assigned to three Timeslots. On your turn, choose a new Show from a display of three and use it to replace one of your current Shows, sending the old program to your Reruns. A Show earns Ratings Points, with higher ratings available when it occupies its correct Timeslot.

Next, choose one Star and one Ad from their paired displays. Both cards enter your Green Room, and you may attach any number of matching Stars to a single Show. Stars increase that Show’s Ratings, while Ratings tracks for the three Timeslots let you earn secret Viewer chips whenever you pass Viewer icons.

• Schedule Shows and manage your Lineup and Reruns.
• Use Stars and Ads to improve programs and generate spending power.
• Buy Network Cards, which provide one-time-use powers.
• Chase seasonal Goals involving Timeslots, Stars, and other achievements.

Ads are worth money in different situations, often depending on who leads in a Timeslot. Collecting at least three Shows of one Genre between your Lineup and Reruns also awards that Genre’s bonus, which may provide Stars or Ratings Points.

When a season ends, players compare their Timeslot leads and resolve the current Goal Card’s three Goals. After three Seasons, the player with more cards in their Green Room gains one final Viewer. In The Rival Networks, the network with the most Viewers wins.