# The Rival Networks

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2021
- **BGG Rating**: 6.7
- **BGG Rank**: #7659
- **Players**: 2 (Best with: 2)
- **Duration**: 30-45 min
- **Weight**: 2.33 / 5
- **Designers**: Gil Hova
- **Artists**: Heiko Günther, Travis Kinchy
- **Publishers**: Formal Ferret Games
- **Categories**: Card Game, Economic, Movies / TV / Radio theme
- **Mechanics**: Area Majority / Influence, Open Drafting, Set Collection

## Verdict
If you enjoy fast‑paced two‑player strategy with a TV theme, The Rival Networks hits the sweet spot – quick, tense, and full of choices.Fast, tactical gameplayEntertaining TV themeHigh replay valueLearning curve is moderateMinimal componentsRECOMMENDED

## Description
The Rival Networks delivers the full "The Networks" experience in a tight 30‑45 minute duel. Each player manages three Timeslots – schedule slots where TV shows air – and starts with three terrible Shows that must be upgraded fast. At the start of every round a Goal Card shows three seasonal objectives, such as winning a specific Timeslot or having more Stars than the opponent. You pick a new Show from three face‑up options, replace one of your current programs, and the displaced Show goes to your Reruns pile. Every Show grants Rating Points, which increase further if placed in its correct Timeslot. Then you take a Star and an Ad as a matching pair; both go to your Green Room. Stars can be attached to any Show that shares the same genre, boosting that Show’s rating. Ads are worth money, especially when you lead a Timeslot, and can be spent to buy Network Cards – one‑time power cards that give special abilities. Collecting three Shows of the same genre, whether in your lineup or reruns, triggers a Genre Bonus that awards extra Stars or Ratings. The Show deck contains one title of each genre per season; once it’s exhausted, an "End of Season" card appears. The player who draws it ends the season but still completes the turn (picking a Star and an Ad, placing stars, buying Network Cards). At season’s end, the player leading in more Timeslots scores a Viewer for each Timeslot they lead, while the other draws a random Star. Then the Goal Card is checked and viewers or stars are awarded based on who met each goal. After three seasons the game ends; the player with the most cards in the Green Room gets one extra Viewer, and the player with the most Viewers wins. The game blends set collection, area influence, and open drafting within a TV‑industry theme, offering quick strategic choices and fierce two‑player rivalry.

## FAQ
### How long does a game typically last?
Around 30‑45 minutes, depending on player familiarity.

### How many players can play?
It is a two‑player only game.

### What is the complexity level?
Light to moderate (BGG weight 2.3); easy to learn with strategic depth.

### What components are included?
Show cards, Star and Ad cards, Goal cards, Network power cards, viewer tokens and a small Timeslot board.

### Do I need the original The Networks to play?
No, The Rival Networks is a standalone game with everything required.

### Are there any expansions or variants?
Currently none; the base game is complete as released.

### Who is this game best suited for?
Fans of quick card duels, TV‑industry themes and competitive two‑player strategy.

## Price Comparison
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