Game Show Ratings: “Deal or No Deal” Close to Number One Again
Ratings are out for the week ending on March 29th. We’ve got some ratings for GSN’s two new premieres that we’re trying to verify also. But we’ll start with Deal or No Deal. It was number one for a long time but dropped down due to The Doctor‘s rising popularity. The ratings have been consistently around the same level they rose to this week: a 1.8. It’s up 6% from last week. Deal has still not officially been renewed for a new season. Some new episodes did tape this week and, again, we’re hearing if they go well it’s basically a lock to come back. It’s pretty certain right now and I’ll be stunned if it doesn’t, but it’s just missing that extra boost of confidence.
Millionaire went up from its season low of a 2.2 to this week’s 2.4. Family Feud continues to stay in there with a 1.5. For how cheap the show is to make it’ll be around for a lot more years if it can keep that rating level. Wheel of Fortune went up a tiny bit to a 7.3. Jeopardy! gained a nice 4% to a 5.7. Everything was up which is fantastic! Everything except ol’ Trivial Pursuit which just cannot move whatsoever. It is, yet again, at a 0.6. The only way this show’s coming back is if a network pulls a miracle and picks it up for a limited amount of new episodes.
What are GSN’s ratings for Newlywed Game and Catch 21? We’re still trying to verify, but we’re hearing it’s some of the biggest they’ve had in years, for a game show.
I live in the West Palm (FL) area, and (as of this week)Trivial Pursuit is not on the local schedule. So, I think that’s an indication of things to come. I thought the show was good. I just didn’t care for Christopher Knight’s hosting.
Merv Griffin’s Crosswords failed because the show’s cash and prizes were sub-GSN level (i.e. too cheap).
Trivial Pursuit flopped because of the sheer lack of gameplay.
Temptation went belly-up because of both those things (as well as a few other elements).
What was the one thing that these three syndicated drop-outs had in common?
If you guessed bad hosting, give yourself a pat on the back.
If there’s ever a college course on game show production, I hope they show clips from these shows, as an example of how not to do a game show.
Well, I think the promotion had something to do with it. Or lack there of. Plus, getting poor clearances doesn’t help either. I mean, in Philadelphia, both Temptation and TP:AP got put at 4:00 AM on the local Fox affiliate.
I agree with what insaneben and julia are saying, but the main problem with Trivial Pursuit wasn’t lack of gameplay or the host (Chris has done an ok job as host), it was (1) lack of clearances, (2) lack of promotion because (3) they got rid of their original host, Mark Walberg, just weeks before their premiere (which is never a good sign). As for Deal or No Deal, (as I said in earlier posts), expect a season 2. I’m not surprise if they announced it before the end of the season.
If Syndicated Deal doesn’t get picked up for a second season something is wrong. Also I want to know how i could try out for that version. The gameplay is better on the syndicated version and I think the primetime version more than likely cancelled unless they do that like it was when it first began. The decision time should be much quicker in the primetime and I went back and watch taped episodes of Season 1 of the primetime and i think people liked it because the game moved along and was exciting then.
I must say, Alex, I’m intrigued most of all by hearing of Catch 21 and New New New Newlywed Game’s possible success. The network could use a hit or two, whether it’s in primetime or the Jackpot! slot.
Again, I agree with DeVares (sure we’re not related…haha).
Knight was BY FAR the better of the three hosts in your list, insaneben. Heck, you could have an entire course just on that Craptation [self-censored] alone! Makes me sick just thinking about that show…..
Craptation….Very funny, LaJuan (by the way, see you at the family reunion….just kidding, we’re not related).
How many kicks did I get…
I have delighted in your previous blog posts, but this one isn’t your finest….