Operation Prime Time

Type	syndication
Slogan	Operation Prime Time for better programming
Owner	MCA TV
Launch date	1976
Dissolved	1987

Operation Prime Time (OPT) was a syndication block of programming offered to independent stations in 1976 by what was then called MCA TV. It was MCA's desire to launch new television shows by having them run in first-run syndication. OPT's slogan was "Operation Prime Time for better programming."

OPT inspired syndication models that arose in later years, such as The Disney Afternoon, the Prime Time Entertainment Network (PTEN) and the newly formed MyNetworkTV. Its initial programs were miniseries including an adaptation of John Jakes' The Bastard and Edward the King. OPT also distributed the animated Christmas special Yogi's First Christmas (now owned by Warner Bros. Television). While OPT was an MCA initiative, many of OPT's programs were produced by studios not associated with MCA or its movie studio, Universal Pictures.

OPT and its successor company, Television Program Enterprises (TPE) were formed by Al Masini. The most successful program from both OPT and TPE was, and still is, Entertainment Tonight, now produced and distributed entirely by CBS Television Distribution. Other programs included Solid Gold, Star Search, the second run of The Nighttime Price Is Right and Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.

[edit] List of programs produced by OPT

This list is incomplete; you can help by expanding it.

• The Key to Rebecca (1985)
• Jenny's War (1985)
• Sadat (1983)
• A Woman Called Golda (1982)
• Solid Gold (1980)
• Solid Gold Hits
• Tourist (1980)
• The Dream Merchants (1980)
• Top of the Hill (1980)
• The Seekers (1979)
• The Rebels (1979)
• The Immigrants (1978)
• Evening in Byzantium (1978)
• The Bastard (1978)
• Testimony of Two Men (1977)

[edit] External links

• Operation Prime Time at the Internet Movie Database
• Operation Prime Time at the Internet Movie Database (Television Program Enterprises (TPE))

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