The first bit of ratings are in for the new syndicated game shows and they aren’t that good, especially for Temptation. Crosswords, from Merv Griffin, got a 1.0/3, down 23% from the average of the same time slots last year. Temptation did even worse; the shopping remake of a hit Australian game show received a 0.7/2, which is down 36% from the time slots last year. Crosswords may be safe because they have a GSN sized budget, but Temptation’s going to need to step up to the plate a bit. All of these plus new big 1 VS 100 ratings are available on the ratings page. Thanks to reader Julia for the link. All ratings according to TVWeek.
36 Responses
Mike
1September 11th, 2007 at 4:46 pm
Well, but Crosswords also seems to, for the most part, have better time slots on higher-profile stations than Temptation. So the expectations for that show are probably higher. Here in NYC, Temptation’s ratings may be satisfactory for a 2 PM slot on MyNetworkTV flagship WWOR, but Crosswords will probably have to put up a good fight against Oprah, Judge Judy, and The People’s Court in order to avoid getting buried in overnights. So far, it’s not looking good, but the shows have some time to gain a following.
Ben Williams
2September 11th, 2007 at 4:56 pm
It’s also been one day…
On a side note, I can’t BELEIVE that TMZ did that well. This is a new low.
scott
3September 11th, 2007 at 5:07 pm
temptations is real crappy show ,they better fix it fast make it like the sale of the centry /that nbc had ,id watch today again but its realy sucks
scott
4September 11th, 2007 at 5:13 pm
its had to sit a half hour of temptations its real dull,but crosswords is ok , but they need to up the money amounts
scott
5September 11th, 2007 at 5:15 pm
thats is hard to /above
Mark
6September 11th, 2007 at 5:47 pm
As I mentioned in a previous story, in my area, Crosswords and Temptation are both on during the same time slots (7:00/7:30). They both also air at the same time as Jeopardy & Wheel of Fortune, and in the 7:30 slot all of these shows are against Millionaire. In other words, at 7:30 here, Millionaire, WoF, Crosswords, and Temptation are all airing simultaneously on different networks. This kind of makes it impossible for either of the new shows to do well.
Chris Parsley
7September 11th, 2007 at 6:57 pm
We got to remember a few things, most NORMAL “aka non-gameshow geeks like us” hadn’t heard a lick about “Crosswords” and very little about “Temptation”, and the numbers are being compared to Judge shows, Maury, etc that would of held that kind of daytime slot in previous years. I’m honestly suprised the numbers weren’t even lower than posted, especially for Temptation which is buried (as made by FOX, anyone remember a decent FOX gameshow they either didnt a) ruin or b) cancel while successful?)
Adam
8September 11th, 2007 at 7:18 pm
I am stunned beyond belief. I am already feeling an urge to scream from the top of my lungs over Crosswords’ low ratings. To me, it looked like the next greatest game on TV. My dreams of being a contestant on such a great game show are being shattered AGAIN!!!!. >-( As for Temptation, the fact that it got lower ratings doesn’t surprise me a bit. COULD SOMEBODY TELL ME WHY FREMANTLE TRASHED OUR VERSION OF TEMPTATION? WHY COULDN’T THEY MAKE IT LIKE AUSTRALIA’S VERSION?
Jordan Hass
9September 11th, 2007 at 7:42 pm
Here is why I believe both series are slipping (PLEASE DON’T ATTACK THIS IS JUST OPINION)
Temptation
——
*On way too early (if it was around 5 or 6, then it might get more viewers)
*Instant Bargains are mostly centered to women (Handbags, and Chocolate)
*People get it confused with Temptation : Australia Easily.
*Final Speedround not 60 seconds for $5.
*Knockout with $2 squares (make it $5)
*The “One Thing To Buy and You’re Done” rule
*No Consolation Prizes
*The “Homeshopping” that made it feel like i’m watching QVC or HSN.
*Rossi saying “It’s More Than A Game Show…” in the intro, THEN WHAT IS IT?
============
Crosswords
——
*Also on too early (Best Spot is Before Wheel and Jeopardy)
*Ty is more “Commentator” than “Host” (Take a Page off Roger Lodge on Camouflage)
*Too Many Spoilers (If there was 1 spoiler, then the game would be SO better)
*Scarce Top Prize (Its about $25,000 I think)
*Some contestants take way too long on some of the puzzles.
*Final Round is “meh”
*Expected it to be like the “Multiplayer” version of “Pat Sajak’s Lucky Letters”
*Watches instead of Money as Consolation Prizes. (Jeopardy is the only game show left that gives away “Parting Gifts”)
of Temptation and Crosswords, I like CROSSWORDS way more than Temptation, But the set is fantastic and the contestants are not all spastic people.
Drew
10September 11th, 2007 at 8:07 pm
I know, Adam. Why are Crosswords ratings super low? IMO, It the next best show to debut this year, right behind Po10. And I figure Temptation ratings are very low. I find the format very discombobulating to follow and Rossi is another Dylan Land clone.
Mike
11September 11th, 2007 at 8:51 pm
No no no, Jordan…
People are not confusing this with the Aussie version of Temptation because a very small percentage of people here even know about it. The only reason among yours given that makes a lick of sense are the home shopping segments. “It’s more than a game show” and you don’t get what it is? Wow. Maybe….THE SHOPPING? *headdesk*
For Crosswords, the best time slot is probably in the late afternoon. You don’t want to put the show against the Wheels and Jeopardys of the world because it will get pummeled 8 ways from Sunday. The other reasons for why nobody’s watching are a joke.
For heaven’s sake, the show has been on one day. There’s no reason to wave the white flag, to place unnecessary blame, or to say either show won’t make it to 2008. Both shows need to find their audiences. If we’re looking at 1.0 ratings around Halloween, then seeing both shows for a single season is feasible.
Adam
12September 11th, 2007 at 9:11 pm
Is there a way I could contact Fremantle via e-mail? I wanted to ask why they not only refuse to make our version like the one from Australia, but why they had to make it look so trashy. I don’t mean to make a derogatory statement, but what does Fremantle think WE are? Rednecks?
R.V.
13September 11th, 2007 at 9:52 pm
Adam, it’s nothing against you. The folks at Fremantle are not programming the show for you. They’re programming the show primarily for the housewives, homemakers, and other folk that stay home during the day while the rest of us work. It’s SUPPOSED to be a light quiz, which is why I wasn’t too disappointed in Temptation. (I will admit that it needs more game to it than it does now.)
I do have an interested in the current champion on the second-half of the double run right now - fast on the buzzer, and he has his eyes on that car, I’m sure. I hope he gets the car ’cause he’ll have definitely earned it; however, I hope even more that if he does get that far, Rossi will make one final offer for him to come back once more for the whole lot plus some big cash.
Gary
14September 11th, 2007 at 10:02 pm
Here’s my take on Crosswords:
The GETAWAY prizes are too chintzy. On two consecutive days, they were a trip to the Trop in LV (one of the worst hotels) and some midline resort in Palm Springs. No wonder when a spoiler gets to choose which podium to take over, they never go for the low money and 2 trips! There should be an incentive not to always take the high dollar podium, such as a double grand prize token that can be won in the main game that allows you to win $4000 instead of $2000 in the bonus if you get there. If that were at the low dollar podium, it might make for a more interesting decision by a spoiler where to go.
And speaking of grand prize, if GSN can give away $5000 minimum in its end games, MGC could up the ante and give as much.
Ty Treadway is a bit stiff but he probably will get better over time.
And it bugs the heck out of me that the contestants are from “Massachusetts” or “New jersey”. How much longer would it take to tell us the name of the city? (At least we know their last names!)
I haven’t seen Temptation yet, but after reading the posts, I don’t think I want to waste my time.
Jordan Hass
15September 11th, 2007 at 10:49 pm
Mike, i guess you are right on Rossi’s “More than a Game Show…” remark, sorry you had to hit your head in the process.
Mike what I said was, the Temptation Speedround is very short, and knockout has a weird payout scale of $2 a correct answer. Also the Home Shopping AND the Bargains are centered towards women.
Thinking back, what is Home Shopping Networks geared towards? WOMEN!
I fear Syndie Deal or No Deal.
Julia
16September 12th, 2007 at 12:44 am
Well, I went looking to see how well these shows did in their first day. I wasn’t looking for anything spectacular, and since no one outside of us really knew that these shows were airing, other than when Crosswords was talked about surrounding Merv’s death. How many people actually knew that Temptation was really airing? MyNetwork TV is horrible, and gets crappy ratings, so I doubt many people knew the show was being previewed. Plus, I was very disappointed that NBC removed their Crosswords preview from the schedule. That would have helped a bit.
Don’t fail. These shows should find their niche. Crosswords is a really well done show, and definitely has that play-along element that Merv Griffin always did well. Plus, how long has it been since a game show premiered in syndication that wasn’t a syndicated version of a network game show? My point is that the don’t have a track record yet. Even Weakest Link had a track record when it was brought into syndication. It survived 1 and a half seasons at about a 1.5 rating, IIRC. So, don’t worry yet.
BTW…Gone to their website? Seenontemptation.com? It’s horrible. The game takes a back seat to their shopping. There’s barely anything on the site other than a bio of Rossi and a description of the show. Very poor.
Violet
17September 12th, 2007 at 1:31 am
I have been waiting with baited breath for the premire episode of Temptation, and NEVER saw one single promo for it. Also, TiVo said it would air on KCOP 13 in Los Angeles, but at the last minute, it turned up on FOX 11. How can anyone see it if they don’t promote it?
Bryan Hayes
18September 12th, 2007 at 3:23 am
I’m surprised but I’m not that surprised. Temptation mad way too many changes from the original format and put far much emphasis on shopping. And the prizes on Crosswords are far too cheap. Either that or audiences simply found that a game show based on crossword puzzles was tedious and too boring for their taste. Hopefully this will get better.
James
19September 12th, 2007 at 6:47 am
For those who wanted contact info for FremantleMedia North America, go to this site and click on NA on the map, then the dot by New York:
http://www.fremantlemedia.com/our-companies
It’s THAAAAAAAAAAAAT EASY! Okay, Bob, er, Drew, er, Buzzerblog! :-)
re: Crosswords, here in NY, maybe WNBC should switch it with Ellen, which I guess did OK even vs. Oprah at 4 pm (and has more popularity to put up a fight). Someone please tell me if I’m wrong there. Anyway, isn’t Ellen now seen in the daytime/afternoon? I could see Crosswords fitting there maybe (unless the slot is 11 am, in which case it’d be up against you know what, especially with the curiosity of you know what new host ;-)). Wow, a daytime game show, what a concept!
Oh yeah, and…
*Rossi saying “It’s More Than A Game Show…” in the intro, THEN WHAT IS IT?
It’s a Game Show PLUS! Sorry I couldn’t resist…
Bob
20September 12th, 2007 at 7:07 am
I am watching an episode of “Temptation” now. I had to videotape it because the station that carries it here (the Dayton, OH market) airs it at 1:37am. That kind of clearance in itself is not going to be good for ratings.
I agree with other posters - the show varies too much from the original SOTC format. Plus, I hate to use this word, but the host does not have the gravitas that Jim Perry did. Perry, be it on the original Card Sharks or on Sale of the Century, could add the right drama to the game and really make the game worth watching. Rossi Whats-His-Name doesn’t seem to have that.
I’ll watch Merv Griffin’s Crosswords next. The same station here is clearing that at 2:07am, again, hardly a time period to attract ratings.
Bill Todman's Ghost
21September 12th, 2007 at 8:27 am
Yesterday’s Crosswords was great. A spoiler ends up winning the game on the final word of the game but the one spoiler who had a negative pot in his podium ended up coming back and taking the lead for a time before losing his spot. I think one thing I would like to see Ty add in is a time factor, stating that there’s ‘one minute left to go’ in Round 3 or something like that in order to give players a heads up on the amount of time left.
I also agree with the other poster that the trips need to be a bit better. Vegas and Palm Springs could get old quickly. Would like to see trips to other US-based destinations or even places like Cabo, Acapulco, or something in Canada added during game play.
Neville
22September 12th, 2007 at 9:07 am
Some fun Crosswords info in response to the Ghost of Bill Todman:
The “Crossword Getaways” are explicitly to places within a 6 hour drive of LA since travel is NOT included in the prize and most contestants live in the LA area. I’m personally not the biggest fan of this technique.
As far as “One Minute to Go” goes, the contestants know that once the Round 3 Daily Double… er… “Crossword Extra” gets hit, there are between 1 and 2 minutes left in play, which could change a little based on pacing and editing. To keep the pace of the game moving, perhaps they should add a little “1 minute to go” graphic, sort of like Wheel’s “No More Vowels.”
Note also that a number of clues get edited out each episodewhen no one rings in to answer for a few consecutively since it does not alter gameplay or score. For example, on Monday’s episode, there was a run of 3 or 4 skipped clues, because no one rang in and it would have been boring for the home audience. These answers, though, are still given in the nearly-solved puzzle at the beginning of the bonus round, as are other missed answers.
Mark
23September 12th, 2007 at 11:05 am
To those saying the shows are on too early - when do they air in your area? Both Crosswords and Temptation air at 7:00 PM here (and in fact last night the Monday episodes of Crosswords were re-aired at 8:00 PM).
Scott
24September 12th, 2007 at 12:26 pm
Without TiVo I would have no clue about these shows. MyNetwork doesn’t even air Temptation in Louisville (the ABC affiliate does, at around 3:05 am — what does that tell you?) and the local FOX affiliate airs Crosswords at 4:30am. Why even buy the shows if you are going to bury them in the overnight? It could be that station managers bought these on spec and decided, once they saw the pilots, that they weren’t that good to contend in the pre-prime time Jeopardy/Wheel hour, or even against midday Judge shows.
Temptation’s first regular show was better than the celebrity premiere, which was just awful. The Shopper’s Paradise is just like original SOTC, which is, do you risk it all and come back, or do you buy a prize and go home? The end game allows for a chance at a good prize even after one victory. But were it not for the too-short speed rounds, the sad Instant Brgains, cheesy buy-at-home breaks, and the other mini-games that don’t fit very well, this could be a hit with a far better host (Rossi ranks below Dylan Lane). So it’s not the end-game that’s the problem, it’s the main game.
Crosswords struck me as amazingly cheap for such a high concept. The trips are nothing special, and the two podium “steal” concept isn’t well thought out. If the spoiler always got the less-expensive podium and had to catch up to win (if they did not have the lead already after adding the value of the clue to the lesser podium), that would be better. Instead, the spoiler always takes the lead (which seems somewhat unfair) and the gap gets wider and wider. If the trips were worth something, there could be a choice or strategy factor, but they aren’t, so the spoiler thing really comes off as awkward.
It also seems unfair that 3 spoilers come in at the end. There ought to be an upfront round to qualify the first two contenders of the five (heck, the podiums are already there to be used) and designate the also-rans as mere spoilers (and the two leaders could split the spoilers’ accured money from that first round). That way, everyone begins on equal footing.
I feel as if some of these changes are so obvious, that Fremantle and Program Partners are in the wrong business. Many of us could work for them and their products would be much better. So sad that Merv died before having a chance to really iron out the kinks.
Pierre Kelly
25September 12th, 2007 at 2:40 pm
What the heck is wrong with Temptation? Is there a way we can have Olivia Munn or Ronilyn Reilly play the role of summer? Why is $2 the lowest on the knock-off board? No Fmae Game board from the 80’s? Temptation has got to go by mid-season, because of the fact that most of the prizes are geared towrds women. Can somebody please get rid of Rolonda and have a LA midday radio personality to be an announcer? All they got is the ONE prize and that’s it rule? What is this, Wheel of Fortune’s bonus round early days? Fremantle needs to act up! As for Crosswords, all they got is trips to somewhere in the west coast? Is this On The Cover when someone lost the mystery cover? All the contestants who won the game is getting somewhere between $2000-$4000. Please. Have a returning champions rule. Jeopardy! is the only one doing that. Spoliers should need to go to the poduims of the ones trailing. They should do that more often. I hate to say this, but….What is WRONG?!!!!
Marc Power
26September 12th, 2007 at 3:28 pm
I just saw Crosswords it airs at 3:30 and 4:00pm here so I have to tape it cause I’m in school until 3:45 and it takes an hour for me to get home. I didn’t have too many issues Ty is a little distant but it’s mostly becuase of the game being so fast paced. I agree there needs to be more variety in the crossword getaways today’s shows each had a trip within California (Samona and somewhere I can’t remember). The budget is almost embarrasing for a Merv Griffin produced (errr…. formely Merv Griffin produced) show in 2007. I will say though i love how they use a remixed version of the old WOF car music as the theme.
Haven’t seen Temptation yet, I saw a highlight reel of the premiere on youtube and I can’t understand why they would have celebs (D-List especially) on the premiere episode. and again judging by the clips Temptation is too cheap. a $965 prize, The old show gave away more than that. and it doesn’t do anything when Rossi adds $100 or $200, They’ve got to offer at least $500 in this day and age.
In response to the low ratings, Poor publicity, I only knew Crosswords airs when it did becuase I walked out of school today (in protest over soemthing but that’s off topic) and I haven’t taken my eyes of the channel guide. I haven’t seen Temptation anywhere I thinking it might come on later but if it’s anytime between 6:00 and 8:00 my Tv watching schedule is full.
scott
27September 12th, 2007 at 5:08 pm
temptations is so slow and cheap i cant wait for the Ax to fall on this turkey
LaJuan
28September 12th, 2007 at 5:28 pm
Here’s how it is in cleveland:
9:00 am Family Feud
9:30 am Crosswords
10am Family Feud
10:30 Craptation
We don’t get a double run of either except feud. Cleveland has always been good with their gameshows (except for the New Price is Right with Doug Davidson, I think). They ran during the day anywhere between 9am and Noon with an occasional early afternoon spot. Very few shows get slots against TPIR (a very smart thing). Still hate Craptation, but I agree with Scott that the main game is more of a problem than the end game. I will continue to either watch Crosswords or DVR it. I was proud of myself today for get 85% of the aired clues right! Down with Craptation, Long Live Crosswords!
Btw, sick of Maury? It’ll end the very second you eliminate “You are NOT the Father!” stories from that show.
Mark
29September 12th, 2007 at 9:10 pm
You know what? The more I watch the two new shows, the more I’m beginning to prefer Temptation. I just generally enjoy watching it more. I actually think Rossi is a good host. Just watching how he reacts to Mark shows me that he really gets into the game. Ty Treadway on the other hand is more like he’s just there for the paycheck and for something to put on his resume. I like the endgame format. It makes it so that pretty much everyone will come back at least one time, but it becomes exciting if someone comes back just four or five times. The escalation level of the prizes is perfect, too. I’m really enjoying watching Mark’s run, not only because he shares my name, but because of the way he plays the game. I’m sure he’s thinking, “These questions are such gimmes; I can take out these stay-at-home-and-watch-infomercials women indefinitely.” That’s exactly how I’d be if I was on the show. I just like the pacing, the look of the set, and the format that most of the time, it’s anyone’s game throughout the entire game. I haven’t seen the Aussie version, nor was I alive when SotC was on originally, so I have no point of reference. One thing I’ve definitely learned from both - competition games are SO much better than the man-versus-the-game format, which seem to be the only thing producers can think of for prime-time games.
Rob Reid
30September 13th, 2007 at 1:17 pm
Here is my take on the new game shows, we really haven’t seen any new game shows in syndication for a long time from fremantle and merv griffin. The last shows from Fremantle was Card SHarks, To Tell the Truth, and Match Game. Now Temptation, is ok for now, but it needs to have a little bit of an improvement, the thing is that “Sale” hasn’t been shown in the US for 18 years, so its ok. I am sure that they will do some stuff to boost it up, but they need to have a smaller budget because it it in syndication during the day. It is good for what it is, better than talk shows premiering. Like Steve Wilkos, which I feel is just ridiculous to have on the air, and better than Passions. Merv’s Crosswords, are a great game, the budget is small unlike, Whee’s and Jeopardy, but I am sure if it makes it through this season they will up the ante with it. We just need to be suporters and let Neilsen realy know we like these games, only because it will get rid of all of these crappy talk shows if we are supporters, and I am sure more things will come. Temptation is fun and So is Crosswords, we just need to keep on watching and hoping so we can see more classics brought back.
Adam
31September 13th, 2007 at 5:17 pm
I don’t why Crosswords is getting low ratings. I thought it would be Merv’s next long running hit. But I guess not. Temptation deserves the low ratings. Fremantle really screwed up SOTC. Rossi is a terrible host. I’m sure Temptation won’t last. But Crosswords is a excellent show and deserves higher ratings. Well Time will tell.
OhioWxGuy
32September 13th, 2007 at 7:15 pm
Both of these shows in my area are on at 1:37AM (Temp) and 2:07AM (Crosswords) after Late Night W/ Craig on CBS… Good thing for DVR.
LostCluster
33September 13th, 2007 at 9:14 pm
One day is not a trend… and even the ratings trends reports are not statistically sound enough to do anything with.
Let’s talk about this after the sweeps numbers are out.
Adam J
34September 13th, 2007 at 9:42 pm
Personally, I’m not sure what’s turning viewers away from Crosswords. Maybe, the passing of Merv Griffin might have lingered.
Game Show Diva N LA
35September 14th, 2007 at 2:47 am
I actually like the trivia questions and the prizes on “Temptation.” The pacing of the show is great. The commenter who said to get rid of announcer Rolanda is wrong. She’s a pro and was a former talk show host and broadcast journalist for many years. I like her. I plan to audition fot this show and continue watching it.
“Crosswords” is far less interesting to me. It comes across as a low-budget show. I think a lot of the clues in later rounds of the game are too difficult for the average person to guess and therefore they won’t enjoy watching the show. The cash and other prizes are too cheap and chintzy also. They need to up the ante.
Scott
36September 14th, 2007 at 10:49 am
In Louisville, after just one airing, the ABC affiliate has replaced Temptation with ABC News Now at 3:05 am. Unless my Tivo machine is getting errant information…what gets me is that the MyNet affiliate doesn’t run the show.
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