Channel Surfing (1994) Board Game

Channel Surfing is a party board game that was released in 1994 by Milton Bradley. It is designed for 2 to 99 players, making it a great game for large groups. The game revolves around the concept of television channels and players must navigate through different channels to earn points.

Game Components of Channel Surfing

Game board

TV remote control game piece

Channel cards

Cable box component

Rulebook

Scorepad

How To Setup Channel Surfing

To set up the game, players first arrange the game board, which represents a TV screen. Each player chooses a TV remote control game piece and places it on the “Start” position on the board. The channel cards are shuffled and placed face down on designated spaces on the board. The cable box component is used to simulate channel changing. Players also receive a scorepad to keep track of points.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Party/Trivia Game

Number of Players: 1 to unlimited

Game Time: About 30 minutes

Objective: Players aim to change channels to find and watch their favorite TV shows while avoiding unwanted programs.

Mechanics: Players use the TV remote control to navigate through channels, draw channel cards, and score points based on the shows they watch.

Player Experience

Channel Surfing offers a nostalgic and interactive experience, especially for those who remember the pre-streaming era of cable TV. The game is novel and a bit weird, as it requires players to mimic the act of channel surfing, which can be both entertaining and frustrating. The game’s dynamic nature, allowing for any number of players, makes it a versatile addition to game nights.

Pros

Unique concept that captures the nostalgia of old-school TV viewing

Can be played with any number of players, making it highly flexible

Simple and easy to understand rules

Interactive and engaging gameplay

Cons

Requires access to a TV or a mock setup, which can be cumbersome

The game’s reliance on channel cards can lead to repetitive content

May not appeal to younger players who are accustomed to modern streaming services

Personal Thoughts on Channel Surfing

Channel Surfing is ideal for those who enjoy retro-themed games and are looking for a light-hearted, interactive experience. It’s perfect for game nights with friends and family who can appreciate the quirky charm of simulating TV channel surfing. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking complex gameplay or who are unfamiliar with the concept of traditional cable TV.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.