Ratings Report: “Jeopardy!” Up, Everything Else Down
I’ve got a relatively delayed ratings report, but I’ve got it now and I made an effort so give me an A for effort at least. These are for the most recent reports, the week ending January 17th. It wasn’t a good week for any game show except Jeopardy!, which doesn’t happen too often. The quizzer actually rose by 2% to a 6.3. It puts it pretty close to Wheel of Fortune which is always nice to see. As far as I’ve been reading they’ve had some exciting relatively-big-money games with some long running contestant streaks so that doesn’t hurt. It’s one of the shows that truly has no end in sight. This thing could go on forever.
The other one that could go on forever is Wheel of Fortune. It was down 8% this week but still ruled over everything else, with a 7.0 rating. The budget definitely took a small dive this season from what I’ve seen, but luckily people really don’t care. Just an aside while I’m on the topic since I don’t get the chance to talk about the show much: is that set barren or is it just me? There’s like nothing on it. Anyway, other ratings were down just as much. Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader shrunk 11% to a 1.6 rating. As we figured a while ago and what’s finally been reported, the current only-syndicated rating, whatever it may be, is not strong enough to get a second season. However, the reruns on CMT and MyNetwork have made the show very profitable, and it’s why we’ll see it coming back. It was a genius move which they could be commended for. It’s companion show Don’t Forget The Lyrics! debuting in September, follows the same model.
Who Wants to be a Millionaire went down by 11% as well, to a 2.5 rating. The removal of Phone A Friend which has made it remarkably hard to even get to the $25,000 milestone hasn’t affected ratings whatsoever which is nice. Family Feud lost 7% and got 1.4. Deal or No Deal, which is nearly officially canceled, fell by 8% to a 1.2. They fixed the show in the first season and had a chance to knock it out of the park in season two, but for some reason decided to let the aged format rest. It benefits GSN who is bound to pick that show up instantly. They need it insanely badly.
I didn't ask what bicycling was. I was asking why they had to do it these days.
In general, I agree on the contestants — get intelligent people, not "I can curl into a ball!".
I disagree on the money tree change — $1,000 just isn't much money anymore. The fact that the show hasn't given away $25,000+ that often since the STUPID Tournament (that's another rant entirely) — although apparently people are watching it because they want to see a show destroy itself………which would explain why "Wheel" is doing so well.
And no, PLEASE DON'T BRING BACK 50:50 — it was just some guy in the back going "Which two should I remove?" Too many times, a contestant mentioned two answers out loud — both of which were left after using 50:50. Essentially, it boiled down to "If we want you to move on, we'll eliminate one you mentioned. If we don't, we leave the two you spoke out loud because we encouraged you to. If both answers you're torn between are wrong, we'll only eliminate one of them."
(And if I'm wrong, I'm wrong.)
As for Ask The Expert…..most are not qualified in a wide range of fields, or are only meant to be used for one specific question (if at all).
I think the problem with DOND is that the move really surprised all of us, they made no announcements about it, but I can tell the differences in the first and second seasons.
The first season has the split screen with the contestant and the case # and at the end credits, it's blackened. The 2nd season has somewhat of that, but the split screen is gone and the end credits are simple camera shots of the studio with a A.C.T.F.E. sign at the near end.
The Feud's gonna be weird because Steve Harvey is going to be really showing his own style and I hope his sidekick buddy Cedric the Entertainer be his announcer.
Millionaire, not too much for me to comment, but it's kinda heading very steady especially it's at 4 PM where I am.
5th grader, it's not really much for me, but I do like the format of banking the money and getting a pre-paid card whenever you lose, but I think it's a fair game for me. DFTL is gonna be great with Mark McGrath who was an Extra host (2004-2007) but I think he'll do great on the show.
I agree that the "Wheel" set is kinda empty most weeks. I was mad at the beginning of the season when there were not any cars having the chance to be given away. I wish they would still have 2 cars available. The set really stands out when they have the all black starry night background that I love so much.
DOND is doomed, it just doesn't have the magic and appeal primetime had. And who is making these recent decisions for Millionaire? It's killing the show.
DOND is doomed, it just doesn't have the magic and appeal primetime had. And who is making these recent decisions for Millionaire? It's killing the show.
They don't, as far as I know.
They don't, as far as I know.
Actually, Taylor, I was referring to the mid-70s weekly games — "Match Game PM", "Jeopardy!", "High Rollers", and "The $25,000 Pyramid" all had self-contained games. "Bicycling" essentially means that it was sent to certain affiliates, who would then send the tapes to another affiliate, etc.
Essentially, the show would not be seen in taping order in most, if not all, markets. Do they do it nowadays? It certainly seemed like it when "Crosswords" and "Trivial Pursuit" were airing, and every week of "Deal Or No Deal" is self-contained for no apparent reason (let contestants stay until they're picked!), but otherwise no.
Actually, Taylor, I was referring to the mid-70s weekly games — "Match Game PM", "Jeopardy!", "High Rollers", and "The $25,000 Pyramid" all had self-contained games. "Bicycling" essentially means that it was sent to certain affiliates, who would then send the tapes to another affiliate, etc.
Essentially, the show would not be seen in taping order in most, if not all, markets. Do they do it nowadays? It certainly seemed like it when "Crosswords" and "Trivial Pursuit" were airing, and every week of "Deal Or No Deal" is self-contained for no apparent reason (let contestants stay until they're picked!), but otherwise no.
* "Who cares that the DoND set looks the same in CT as it did in CA? What's the difference? Do you enjoy it more or less because its taped in CT? It's the game that matters."
Where it tapes doesn't matter — the fact that they made no on-air announcement that they were in a different city, plus the fact that the set made no changes whatsoever, made it very hard to tell which season it was (and I suspect this was on purpose). As for the game, they've been doing pointless gimmicks here, too. I can't enjoy a game that feels like it has to do a crappy and constant stream of gimmicks to keep my attention ("Wheel Of Fortune", I'm looking at you).
* "I think the WoF set is a stroke of genius. It's brilliant in its simplicity. You have the three staples (The Wheel, Puzzle Board and projection screen behind the contestants.) Then the rest changes every week to reflect the theme of the week. What more do you need? Chuck just used to have a curtain behind him. THAT was boring!"
No, the curtain was awesome because it was a constant thing that — no crappy neon tubing or see-through Million-Dollar Wedge — and the fact that a bunch of awesome prizes were behind the curtain.
* "Who cares that the DoND set looks the same in CT as it did in CA? What's the difference? Do you enjoy it more or less because its taped in CT? It's the game that matters."
Where it tapes doesn't matter — the fact that they made no on-air announcement that they were in a different city, plus the fact that the set made no changes whatsoever, made it very hard to tell which season it was (and I suspect this was on purpose). As for the game, they've been doing pointless gimmicks here, too. I can't enjoy a game that feels like it has to do a crappy and constant stream of gimmicks to keep my attention ("Wheel Of Fortune", I'm looking at you).
* "I think the WoF set is a stroke of genius. It's brilliant in its simplicity. You have the three staples (The Wheel, Puzzle Board and projection screen behind the contestants.) Then the rest changes every week to reflect the theme of the week. What more do you need? Chuck just used to have a curtain behind him. THAT was boring!"
No, the curtain was awesome because it was a constant thing that — no crappy neon tubing or see-through Million-Dollar Wedge — and the fact that a bunch of awesome prizes were behind the curtain.
In general, I agree on the contestants — get intelligent people, not "I can curl into a ball!".
I disagree on the money tree change — $1,000 just isn't much money anymore. The fact that the show hasn't given away $25,000+ that often since the STUPID Tournament (that's another rant entirely) — although apparently people are watching it because they want to see a show destroy itself………which would explain why "Wheel" is doing so well.
And no, PLEASE DON'T BRING BACK 50:50 — it was just some guy in the back going "Which two should I remove?" Too many times, a contestant mentioned two answers out loud — both of which were left after using 50:50. Essentially, it boiled down to "If we want you to move on, we'll eliminate one you mentioned. If we don't, we leave the two you spoke out loud because we encouraged you to. If both answers you're torn between are wrong, we'll only eliminate one of them."
(And if I'm wrong, I'm wrong.)
As for Ask The Expert…..most are not qualified in a wide range of fields, or are only meant to be used for one specific question (if at all).
In general, I agree on the contestants — get intelligent people, not "I can curl into a ball!".
I disagree on the money tree change — $1,000 just isn't much money anymore. The fact that the show hasn't given away $25,000+ that often since the STUPID Tournament (that's another rant entirely) — although apparently people are watching it because they want to see a show destroy itself………which would explain why "Wheel" is doing so well.
And no, PLEASE DON'T BRING BACK 50:50 — it was just some guy in the back going "Which two should I remove?" Too many times, a contestant mentioned two answers out loud — both of which were left after using 50:50. Essentially, it boiled down to "If we want you to move on, we'll eliminate one you mentioned. If we don't, we leave the two you spoke out loud because we encouraged you to. If both answers you're torn between are wrong, we'll only eliminate one of them."
(And if I'm wrong, I'm wrong.)
As for Ask The Expert…..most are not qualified in a wide range of fields, or are only meant to be used for one specific question (if at all).
I think the problem with DOND is that the move really surprised all of us, they made no announcements about it, but I can tell the differences in the first and second seasons.
The first season has the split screen with the contestant and the case # and at the end credits, it's blackened. The 2nd season has somewhat of that, but the split screen is gone and the end credits are simple camera shots of the studio with a A.C.T.F.E. sign at the near end.
The Feud's gonna be weird because Steve Harvey is going to be really showing his own style and I hope his sidekick buddy Cedric the Entertainer be his announcer.
Millionaire, not too much for me to comment, but it's kinda heading very steady especially it's at 4 PM where I am.
5th grader, it's not really much for me, but I do like the format of banking the money and getting a pre-paid card whenever you lose, but I think it's a fair game for me. DFTL is gonna be great with Mark McGrath who was an Extra host (2004-2007) but I think he'll do great on the show.
I think the problem with DOND is that the move really surprised all of us, they made no announcements about it, but I can tell the differences in the first and second seasons.
The first season has the split screen with the contestant and the case # and at the end credits, it's blackened. The 2nd season has somewhat of that, but the split screen is gone and the end credits are simple camera shots of the studio with a A.C.T.F.E. sign at the near end.
The Feud's gonna be weird because Steve Harvey is going to be really showing his own style and I hope his sidekick buddy Cedric the Entertainer be his announcer.
Millionaire, not too much for me to comment, but it's kinda heading very steady especially it's at 4 PM where I am.
5th grader, it's not really much for me, but I do like the format of banking the money and getting a pre-paid card whenever you lose, but I think it's a fair game for me. DFTL is gonna be great with Mark McGrath who was an Extra host (2004-2007) but I think he'll do great on the show.
For what it's worth, Sajak made some kind of joke about the new season when the premiere came along…
For what it's worth, Sajak made some kind of joke about the new season when the premiere came along…
To @JackBauer112: Yeah, I think Steve and Ced would work out better on Feud, either him or (Steve’s) Nephew Tommy.
Do you like any game shows? Or, did you just comment for the sake of commenting?
A little grammar goes a long way as well…
OMG someone just won $50,000. You don't see that everyday.
OMG someone just won $50,000. You don't see that everyday.
To see Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! outlive all of us, Devares, would be amazing. Alex, you're definitely right when you say that both shows have no end in sight. I just can't see either show going, unless they find a really crappy host after Pat and Alex.
Wheel, I'm not too concerned about the gimmicks. The show is genius, and to me the little things don't detract from it too much. I still don't watch it as often as I did, say, a year ago, but that's not due to the little things for each show.
Fifth Grader has gotten pretty good. I like the new format, and the current show is much better than the old version. I can see it being renewed for another season at least, which is good. ^^
Millionaire is still one of my all-time favorites. I've been obsessed with it since I was four. I'm still not sure which format I prefer, however it's still fun to watch. At least, that is when people actually get above $15,000. I wish they still had Phone a Friend; I mean, now we only have a third of the original lifelines. Perhaps they should consider – *shudders* – dumbing down the questions a bit? I don't mean immensely, but…enough so that they are actually answerable. Figures that I'm saying this two months after I'm complaining because reaching $25,000 just marked the level of not miserably failing. Meh.
I am totally excited for Feud's new season! It's sad to see O'Hurley go, but I'm sure Steve Harvey will be great here. I have to be sure to catch it when it premieres after the summer =D
Now, Deal or No Deal. I'd say no deal on that one; just get it out, and get it out quickly.
To see Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! outlive all of us, Devares, would be amazing. Alex, you're definitely right when you say that both shows have no end in sight. I just can't see either show going, unless they find a really crappy host after Pat and Alex.
Wheel, I'm not too concerned about the gimmicks. The show is genius, and to me the little things don't detract from it too much. I still don't watch it as often as I did, say, a year ago, but that's not due to the little things for each show.
Fifth Grader has gotten pretty good. I like the new format, and the current show is much better than the old version. I can see it being renewed for another season at least, which is good. ^^
Millionaire is still one of my all-time favorites. I've been obsessed with it since I was four. I'm still not sure which format I prefer, however it's still fun to watch. At least, that is when people actually get above $15,000. I wish they still had Phone a Friend; I mean, now we only have a third of the original lifelines. Perhaps they should consider – *shudders* – dumbing down the questions a bit? I don't mean immensely, but…enough so that they are actually answerable. Figures that I'm saying this two months after I'm complaining because reaching $25,000 just marked the level of not miserably failing. Meh.
I am totally excited for Feud's new season! It's sad to see O'Hurley go, but I'm sure Steve Harvey will be great here. I have to be sure to catch it when it premieres after the summer =D
Now, Deal or No Deal. I'd say no deal on that one; just get it out, and get it out quickly.
That Jeopardy! rating intrigues me, because that particular week precedes the week that had Pat Sajak's turn at the Celebrity Invitational. I loved that episode. I have absolutely no idea how well stations have been advertising this. Has there been any indication that the 5 celebrity rounds so far have provided ratings boosts?
That Jeopardy! rating intrigues me, because that particular week precedes the week that had Pat Sajak's turn at the Celebrity Invitational. I loved that episode. I have absolutely no idea how well stations have been advertising this. Has there been any indication that the 5 celebrity rounds so far have provided ratings boosts?
That Jeopardy! rating intrigues me, because that particular week precedes the week that had Pat Sajak's turn at the Celebrity Invitational. I loved that episode. I have absolutely no idea how well stations have been advertising this. Has there been any indication that the 5 celebrity rounds so far have provided ratings boosts?