family hour
C1informal, formal (in broadcasting contexts)
Definition
Meaning
A designated period of time, typically in the early evening, when television programming is suitable for viewing by all ages, especially children.
More broadly, any period of time set aside for shared family activities, often free from work or outside interruptions.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a North American broadcasting term. The concept implies a time of shared, wholesome entertainment. Can be used metaphorically to denote a period of mandatory propriety or censorship.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is far more common and has a specific regulatory history in American English, referring to the FCC's 'family viewing hour' policy (1975-1983). In British English, the equivalent concept is often referred to as 'watershed' or 'pre-watershed' programming, but 'family hour' is understood.
Connotations
In American usage, it carries connotations of 1970s/80s TV culture and regulatory standards. In British usage, it may sound like an Americanism or refer more loosely to a time for family activities.
Frequency
High frequency in American media discourse; low-to-medium frequency in British English, often used descriptively rather than as a formal label.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
during the family hourthe family hour on [channel]programming for family houra family hour policyVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's not exactly family hour material.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in media planning, broadcasting schedules, and content rating discussions.
Academic
Appears in media studies, communications, and cultural history papers discussing TV regulation.
Everyday
Used by parents to refer to a time for shared TV watching or family activities. 'Let's watch that movie during family hour.'
Technical
In broadcasting, refers to a specific time slot with content restrictions (historically in the US).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The channel family-hours its Saturday evening slot.
- They tried to family-hour the controversial drama.
American English
- The network family-houred that time slot to attract more advertisers.
- They had to family-hour the show's content.
adverb
British English
- The episode was broadcast family-hour, so it was edited.
- They scheduled it family-hour to maximise viewership.
American English
- The film was shown family-hour safe.
- They programmed it family-hour early.
adjective
British English
- It's a family-hour programme, so the language is mild.
- They adhere to family-hour standards.
American English
- The show has a family-hour vibe.
- It's considered family-hour material.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We watch cartoons during family hour.
- Family hour is before my bedtime.
- The new game show is perfect for family hour.
- They moved the programme to an earlier, family hour slot.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the 'hour' when the whole 'family' can gather around the TV without worry.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A CONTAINER FOR APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOUR.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid literal translation as 'час семьи'. The concept is about content, not the family itself. Use 'время для семейного просмотра' or 'семейный эфир'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'family hour' to mean 'an hour spent with family' in any context, losing its strong media association.
- Capitalising it incorrectly unless referring to the specific historical US policy ('Family Viewing Hour').
Practice
Quiz
What is the closest British English equivalent to the formal American 'family hour'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it varies by network and country, but historically in the US it referred to the first hour of prime-time evening television (e.g., 8-9 p.m. ET).
Yes, metaphorically or generally to mean a time reserved for family activities, e.g., 'Sunday dinner is our family hour.'
No, it was a voluntary policy adopted by networks under pressure from the FCC and was later ruled unconstitutional by a US court.
No, it refers only to programme content suitability. Advertising is governed by separate regulations.