20Jan2008
Glimpse at UK “Duel” Part One
This post is going to start a new regular series we're going to call "The British Are Better Than Us." We'll have a look at more game play tomorrow, but for now, enjoy the first ten minutes of ITV's version of Duel. Another show the British just do better than us, go figure. Their host is much better, music a bit nicer, the game is much quicker, and I definitely enjoy the all-around game play more. The set is up in the air, but the space like look for questions is rather cool. Check it out and we'll try to get another part, including the ability to stop, up tomorrow. [flv:http://www.flashgameshows.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/ukduelclip1.flv 427 260]
Read MoreView Comments (17)18Jan2008
UK Game Show News: “Duel” Stars Saturday
No US news at all today, but we will have a small preview of The Moment of Truth sometime next week. England has had a lot of fun game show news, though. One of my favorite shows that the US completely screwed up, Weakest Link, will be moving to the main BBC station next month. It's been on BBC2 for quite a few years. The UK version is absolutely supreme to ours in nearly every way possible, and if you haven't checked it out you really owe it to yourself. Also, Duel starts its UK run on Saturday. The show is basically the same gameplay wise as our version, though they ditched the tournament. Probably a good move, as it just did not work here at all. I was bored until the final night (and even then still a bit bored), as hypothetic
Read MoreView Comments (8)16Jan2008
Ratings Update
We have some new broadcast ratings in. The main success story right now is Deal or No Deal. Somehow, through all of NBC's over saturation and excessive airing, the show remains extremely popular and saw one of its better ratings on Monday night. American Gladiators is doing well but dropped off a bit. 1 VS 100 also sunk below 5.0. Next week is going to be interesting. Was the audience just interested in the millionaire that was heavily advertised? My guess at this point is probably. Fifth Grader also returned and is looking as good as ever. Pretty good news for everyone all around except Power of 10 and 1 VS 100, which are probably the only two current game shows that deserve great ratings. And American Idol is kicking the holy sh
Read MoreView Comments (6)16Jan2008
“Crosswords” on the Block, but “Temptation” Survives?
Thanks to reader John Moss for pointing out a recent article from Media Life Magazine which talks about the current syndication market and next year's. Very few shows are on the bubble to be picked up for a second season. The only two shows listed are Montel Williams and Crosswords. Interesting, as on the official Crosswords blog, they have been heavily promoting starting taping for season two in the not to distant future. Also, Crosswords just got up to the 1.0 mark, a new high, so that should be worth something. Meanwhile, at the bottom, it lists the unimaginable: "[Twentieth Television's] foundering game show “Temptation” is also expected to return." Temptation has been hovering around the 0.5 mark, going up to a .6 at best,
Read MoreView Comments (23)15Jan2008
Aussie “Power of 10″ For $1M + Host Found
The US version of Power of 10 isn't doing too well right now. For some reason CBS insists on putting it against Deal or No Deal which is a steamroller at this point, but what do I know? I'm just a critic. Despite this, Australia is going ahead with their version of Power of 10 for Channel 9. They will be offering $1,000,000 instead of $10,000,000. Note that we still have a potential syndicated version in the making (depending on how the rest of the primetime run goes), so their version will basically be how our syndicated edition will go. Longtime quiz show host Eddie McQuire (who hosted Who Wants to be a Millionaire? and 1 VS 100) was actually not chosen. Instead, the host is Australia's Today weatherman Steve Jacobs. He told TV
Read MoreView Comments (2)15Jan2008
Italy Plans New Interactive Quiz Show
One of the most asked questions I get is "What's going on with the new interactive game show GSN was supposed to be giving information out in early 2008?" While I don't think it's going to be like Playmania (so don't get your hopes up. If it's what I think it is, be expecting something more studio based and recent), something like this would be cool. Italy is showing signs of a new interactive quiz show called Gossip Quiz. Imagine 1 VS 100's Last Man Standing. Now throw in a touch of Playmania and that's what you'll get. Viewers call a special number in advance and get set to play. Once the game starts, the host gives questions and gives instructions how to play. If you miss, you're out of the game. If you're the final surviving
Read MoreView Comments (2)14Jan2008
“American Gladiators” Renewed for a Second Season
NBC seems to be leading the network battle of unscripted shows (until American Idol shows its sorry face on television again sadly). Their newest show, the revival of the hit 90s show American Gladiators, has been renewed for a second season according to B&C. The show has been a strong performer, seeing over 12 million viewers on its debut and a very strong showing on its regular Monday slot. No word on how many episodes are ordered or when it'll start, but I'd bet a few dollars and say fairly soon. A few other news pieces about Gladiators. A live tour is currently being planned to capitalize on the success of the show. Also, MGM and Flor-Jon are in the process of developing an....animated series? Really? I can't wait to see h
Read MoreView Comments (8)14Jan2008
Register for the Online “Jeopardy” Test
Just a small heads up that you can register for the online Jeopardy! adult exam today. Click here to get involved, and good luck.
Read MoreView Comments (2)14Jan2008
“Game Show in My Head” Ordered from CBS
About fifteen years ago (or a year) CBS was developing a show called Game Show in My Head. This was along with shows like Power of 10 and Do You Trust Me?. When those two got picked up, I assumed Game Show in My Head was dead. I was apparently wrong. Cynopsis announced that the show from Hat Trick, who did Whose Line is it Anyway, has been picked up. The host of the pilot was Chris Kattan of Saturday Night Live fame but no current host has been named. This was the original casting call and show summary from back in March 2007. The executive producer was Ashton Kutcher which worries me, but could be worse. This is what an audience member who saw a pilot tape: "Actually went to the taping of the show, no idea what the show was ab
Read MoreView Comments (1)10Jan2008
“The Price is Right” DVD Details
I have a feeling some of the more "passionate" The Price is Right fans are going to be happy when the DVD is released. First off, it's going to be $39.98 on March 25th; it's a four-DVD set that includes 930 minutes of shows. What shows you ask? Well you're in for a treat if you're a big fan. Some newer episodes included will be Bob Barker's full final week. However, they are going very very retro as well. Also included is the very first episode and some more interspersed. If you're not a Barker fan, maybe the classic Bill Cullen edition will entice you. Yes, they are including some of the old black and white episodes. The twenty six episodes on the set probably won't include and Drew Carey episodes, but I doubt many will care since those
Read MoreView Comments (8)10Jan2008
Ratings Update
Things aren't looking good for Power of 10, and it's time for CBS to step up and move it. In last night's Power/Deal or No Deal showdown, Deal got more than six million viewers more and nearly 2 full points higher in the A18-49 demographic. It's a really fun and great show; might we suggest moving it out of the way of the steamroller known as Deal or No Deal? American Gladiators is still going strong, but syndication was down a tiny bit except Millionaire.
Read MoreView Comments (13)10Jan2008
NY Times Features GSN Overnight Classics
We were pointed towards a nice article that the New York Times did for their online television section discussing the black and white classics GSN returned to the air recently at 3AM ET. I never would have figured the return of those shows would have gained such a strong response. Also, I don't like to toot my own horn (for lack of a better term) often, but we even got a mention on the article. Pretty cool if you ask me. Check out their article here.
Read MoreLeave a Comment10Jan2008
“1 VS 100″ is Bananas!
I really dislike Gwen Stefani's music, but the title just fit perfectly with what this post is about. No big news yet, so let's have some humorous things thrown in. You'll be getting a new addition to the Mob on 1 VS 100 on episode 206 (the sixth episode of season 2): a monkey! Endemol loves animals in shows. First we get a pony as a Deal or No Deal offer, that of which I'll never forget, and now we get to have a monkey randomly press buttons. It brings a whole new meaning to the Mob going ape sh*t I suppose, doesn't it?
Read MoreView Comments (15)09Jan2008
Silverman Wants More “American Gladiators”
From TVWeek: It should be no surprise since the ratings are so strong, but NBCU Entertainment co-chair wants more of American Gladiators to fill the schedule. In fact, be expecting a two hour season one finale on Sunday, February 17th, directly before the Knight Rider television movie/pilot. “I can’t tell you [what we’re doing for the finale],” Silverman says. “If I did, Wolf and Hulk would show up at your door.” Next season, though, be prepared for a larger game roster and a fine-tuned format. Now I'm wondering what definition of fine-tuning are they talking about. The way they fine-tuned the offers to be more evil on Deal or No Deal, or the not that bad fine-tuning of 1 VS 100. Might we suggest just making it a 1 second-per-point
Read MoreView Comments (21)09Jan2008
“The Mole” Casting Page
Information we were given from Cynopsis regarding The Mole's casting is not correct. They have not started yet, though they will soon. Where? Here on The Mole casting page of course. Sorry for the confusion. I'll sure as hell be trying out for this one. By looking at the excited comments I saw, many of you will be as well.
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