22Mar2009
Weekend Replay: Countdown: Octochamp Kirk Bevins
I don't think it's that much of a surprise to anyone who watched the episode of Countdown posted here this weekend that the champion of that episode, Kirk Bevins, becomes an octochamp (8-time undefeated champion, pretty much like what a 5-time Jeopardy champion used to be). Here's the ending of Kirk's 8th episode. [stream flv=x:/www.flashgameshows.com/wordpress/videos/CD031709.flv width=630 height=343 bandwidth=med
Read MoreView Comments (7)22Mar2009
Weekend Replay: Countdown: March 5, 2009 (Part 3)
Last part of the episode. I'll be posting one more clip for you later tonight, featuring the champion of this episode. [stream flv=x:/www.flashgameshows.com/wordpress/videos/CDs60e24c.flv width=630 height=343 bandwidth=med
Read MoreView Comments (2)22Mar2009
Weekend Replay: Countdown: March 5, 2009 (Part 2)
Here's part two of Countdown. The champion is definitely showing his skill the game, isn't he? [stream flv=x:/www.flashgameshows.com/wordpress/videos/CDs60e24b.flv width=630 height=343 img=image-preview.jpg bandwidth=med
Read MoreView Comments (2)21Mar2009
Weekend Replay: Countdown: March 5, 2009 (Part 1)
A while back, Alex posted up the beginning of Jeff Stelling's first episode of Countdown. It was great and all, but it didn't have much gameplay (and I think Jeff Stelling's the best host of the four). So, I'm feeling generous this weekend, and I'm giving you an entire episode. Mostly because this episode features a really smart champion (You'll agree by Monday morning). Here's part one of the episode that aired on March 5, 2009. [stream flv=x:/www.flashgameshows.com/wordpress/videos/CDs60e24a.flv width=630 height=343 img=image-preview.jpg bandwidth=med
Read MoreLeave a Comment08Feb2009
The British are Better Than Us: “Countdown”
Next up on our regular series The British are Better Than Us is my personal favorite British game show, Countdown. Countdown is a long running game facing two contestants against each other in a game of spelling and math. If you've played Text Twist, you basically know the spelling portion. In the math game, contestants are given six sets of numbers (either small numbers 1-10 or big numbers 25, 50, 75, or 100) and have to only add, subtract, multiply, or divide them to reach the randomly assigned target number, using each of the sets of numbers only once. I know we've talked about Only Connect being probably the smartest show on television, anywhere, but Countdown beats any other show for the sheer play-along factor. It's impossible
Read MoreView Comments (30)25Jul2008
Hosts of UK Game Show “Countdown” Leave
Probably my favorite British game show is the exceptionally brainy Countdown. I hate to say it, but if any show could be deemed too smart for America's Deal or No Deal level audience at this point, it's Countdown. It's split into two types of play. In the word rounds, you're given nine letters and have to make the longest word possible. In the numbers game, you're given six different numbers and have to add, subtract, multiply, or divide in order to reach a target. All of this is under the scrutiny of the infamous Countdown clock, which is 30 seconds. Real news for this show comes today as host Des O'Connor announced he is leaving. He's the 3rd host in the past few years, after original longtime host Richard Whiteley passed away, and another host, Des Lynam, quit after a short amount of time. However, the bigger news comes from co host Carol Vorderman announcing she will be leaving as well. It's honestly like imagining Vanna White is leaving. Carol is the thinking person's Vanna White. She's been with the show since 1982 and has been more than a pretty face. She was integral for the show's number round, as she often computed complicated math problems. Representatives have said they will be hunting down replacements for both, though, as a long time fan of the show, it's going to be hard to replace Carol; she was absolutely incredible. Here's an episode of what is probably the smartest show on television for those who haven't seen it. Part one is here and the others are under the page break. You can also read more about Countdown at the UKGameShows, which is probably the best game show website in the world, by clicking this link.
Read MoreView Comments (22)21Nov2007
“Crosswords” Gets Home Game
The ratings for Crosswords aren't that great, but it's getting some support from a major game company. Hasbro has received the license to develop board and DVD games to the fledgling new syndicated game show. Both of which are expected to be out this coming Fall, hopefully when a second season will come out. Hasbro is getting into the game show business even more as they, as previously stated, are partnering with Denbar-Mercury (Family Feud) for the syndicated Trivial Pursuit game show currently being planned. There should be some form of online game for Crosswords out by now, but it's been in development longer than I think the rules for the actual show were developed. You can make your own Temptation home game by watching E! and when you can guess what is being talked about currently, reach into your pocket and give yourself $5. You probably have a larger budget than the actual show does
Read MoreView Comments (7)10Jan2007
“Countdown” To Get Cell Phone Treatment
Dynamo Games has reached an agreement with Granada Ventures, the licensor of Countdown, to distribute a Countdown game for cell phones in the UK and Ireland only. Brian McNicoll, the managing director of Dynamo: “Countdown is ... an institution, which is loved by millions of people of all ages and from all walks of life. The show's combination of word and maths puzzles allows everyone, of every ability to to take part and makes it the perfect programme to bring to mobile phones.” You can get it starting near the end of this month, from
Read MoreView Comments (1)21Oct2006
Des O’Connor Named New Host of UK’s “Countdown”
Digital Spy is reporting that 74 year old Des O'Connor will be replacing the vacating Des Lynam as the new host of the popular Channel4 game show "Countdown". The Sun is also reporting that he will screentest next week, having beaten very popular UK personalities, such as (in roles most known in the US) "UK Whose Line is it Anyway?" performer Stephen Fry and FOX's "The Rich Li$t" host Eamonn Holmes. Lynam will finish taping in December, as he says the travel from his home to the studio is too
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