GSN’s Got a Hit With “Baggage”
It’s funny that when GSN sticks with what they do best, a half hour studio based game show, the results are typically pretty good and when they venture outside of that (see Instant Recall, Unstapled, etc) the results are poorly rated and on the ugly side content wise. GSN’s first new studio show in a while, Baggage, came out this week and it’s already a hit for viewers and the network with some OK reviews, which is a welcome change.
The Jerry Springer fronted dating game show, in its 6:30PM ET time slot, achieved a .59 rating. That’s an increase of 14% from its debut episode, so people like it apparently. It’s also doing very well in the key demos, seeing nearly a quarter million viewers in its desired 25-54 demographic. It fits The Newlywed Game like a glove so that’s not large surprise, but it’s really nice to see something sticking there.
It’s doing well because the show isn’t that bad. It’s a bit quiet and a little boring in a few places, but the show does what it sets out to do. If it were me, in season two, the first thing I would add is some sort of audience so you can get the audience reactions for some of the comments made (you can’t beat live audience reactions, it always adds to the show) and not to mention Jerry seems a bit awkward without one. It’s also a bit slow and hugely drawn out in a few places. I don’t know if there’s a natural way to add one more round of exposing baggage, but if they can I’d really recommend it. But for what it is, it’s not bad. I’m not really a fan of dating shows but I got a chuckle out of it, and that’s what it sets out to do. If you’re a dating show fan, I’m pretty sure you’re going to like it.
And don’t fret about Catch 21. I’ve heard it’ll be coming back, but probably in a different slot and with another new original to capitalize on the success of both. If they can keep this momentum up they may have their first new duo of hits in who knows how long.
The show was better than I expected. The "Deal or No Deal" element is interesting, and when something messed up is revealed from one's suitcase, I usually let out a "HA!"
The show was better than I expected. The "Deal or No Deal" element is interesting, and when something messed up is revealed from one's suitcase, I usually let out a "HA!"
When I first heard about the concept, I was skeptical. But Jerry's not bad hosting, and as you said, if they add an audience and perhaps a new element to extend gameplay, it could actually have a nice run.
When I first heard about the concept, I was skeptical. But Jerry's not bad hosting, and as you said, if they add an audience and perhaps a new element to extend gameplay, it could actually have a nice run.
I'll tell you something. It looks like the show's set is designed like DOND and the show premiered before The Hub ever came out, GSN will probably have some competition with The Hub I am sure GSN will be good again and Lingo was a hit for the network 8 years ago.
I'll tell you something. It looks like the show's set is designed like DOND and the show premiered before The Hub ever came out, GSN will probably have some competition with The Hub I am sure GSN will be good again and Lingo was a hit for the network 8 years ago.
I think it would be wise to see how the number fare longer-term. Some of the buzz might be simply because it's a show hosted by Jerry Springer.
I think it would be wise to see how the number fare longer-term. Some of the buzz might be simply because it's a show hosted by Jerry Springer.
I agree still a little too early to make a final judgement. But I got a chuckle out of it and I really despise dating shows and I've never cared for Jerry's talk show but as a host I think he's a natural.
here's an idea for season 2: add the studio audience and let them vote to give the contestant advice. just a thought.
I agree still a little too early to make a final judgement. But I got a chuckle out of it and I really despise dating shows and I've never cared for Jerry's talk show but as a host I think he's a natural.
here's an idea for season 2: add the studio audience and let them vote to give the contestant advice. just a thought.
My thinking exactly. Would this have done as well of, say, game-show impresario Todd Newton been the host?
When I read Alex's post, my reaction was simply…..WOW! This show is a hit? Yes it is. And not only that, it's the almost perfect companion to the Newlywed Game since the Dating Game (ironically enough I thought of Baggage as The Dating Game on drugs). This show and Jerry Springer….fits like a glove.
When I read Alex's post, my reaction was simply…..WOW! This show is a hit? Yes it is. And not only that, it's the almost perfect companion to the Newlywed Game since the Dating Game (ironically enough I thought of Baggage as The Dating Game on drugs). This show and Jerry Springer….fits like a glove.
That is really great news. I've seen every episode so far and I am loving every second of it. Great job GSN! That number has to be making their day.
That is really great news. I've seen every episode so far and I am loving every second of it. Great job GSN! That number has to be making their day.
It shows there is some hope for GSN yet…
You're right. It could use more "game"; I found myself quite bored by the whole affair.
You're right. It could use more "game"; I found myself quite bored by the whole affair.
You're right. It could use more "game"; I found myself quite bored by the whole affair.
You're right. It could use more "game"; I found myself quite bored by the whole affair.
It probably would have failed… but I will admit Jerry Springer is pretty natural at it.