sweeps
n. uncountablen. a special time of year when television stations track how many people are watching their shows. This data helps them decide how much to charge for commercials.
n. specific periods during the year when television audience sizes are measured to determine advertising rates. Usually occurs in November, February, May, and July in the United States.
The network aired its biggest movie during the November sweeps.
Television networks often schedule major plot twists or celebrity guest appearances during sweeps to boost their viewership numbers.
Because advertising revenue is directly tied to these ratings periods, local stations invest heavily in sensational news coverage and high-budget specials throughout the duration of the sweeps.
From sweep + -s (pluralia tantum suffix).
Typically used as a plural noun without an article when referring to the period itself.