Themes and topics explored in Japanese shows are quite diverse – from their animes to variety shows – but Japanese game shows have always caught the attention of international masses. See a viral video of a game show on your Facebook feed and it would be no surprise that it is a Japanese game show. If you’re tired of the usual Family Feud and Jeopardy-esque game shows, you could find some of funniest – and weirdest – game shows in Japan. It is known that Japanese game shows are quite unique – some are quite brilliant, some are weird, and some are just downright gross. Listed down below are some of the funniest and weirdest Japanese game shows seen on TV. [Read more…]
ABC adds The Six
ABC continues its recent string of signing up unusual game shows with a Russian import called The Six.
Unlike other prime time game shows — which are mostly filled with extreme stunt — The Six forces six players to work together to solve logic problems in just 60 seconds. I can hear your shocked gasps now, and I’m with you. It’s hard to fathom in this day and age a game show being greenlit that rewards intelligence. But it’s true.
The Six is based on a classic Russian game show called What? Where? When?, which has been on the air for 35 years. Merv Griffin Entertainment will produce the American version, which celebrates teamwork and positive group dynamics, instead of scheming and backstabbing.
British TV personality Vernon Kay will host.
An ABCrazy idea
ABC has greenlit a wacky new game show that’s set atop a skyscraper. Yes, desperation truly is the mother of invention.
Downfall sends players to the roof of a high rise (emphasis on high) in a major American metro, where they’ll answer trivia questions in a bid to win up to $1 million. Losing means watching their winnings get dropped over the side of the building — and possibly themselves along with it, though this will just be a controlled jump of some kind.
Gives a whole new meaning to “ratings stunt,” doesn’t it?
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Downfall is part of ABC’s summer lineup of reality shows and game shows, which also includes an ice dancing series, a weight loss show, and more.
Come on, I can’t be the only one thinking that this strikes of desperation. I can see the snarky headlines now: “It’s like Catch It, Keep It — in reverse!” Or how about, “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Base-Jumper?“
Trebek in Jeopardy?
Alex Trebek , host of game show Jeopardy!, has just suffered a heart attack. The 67-year-old star is practically a TV icon, his face and voice as familiar to viewers as the Jeopardy! theme song.
He is now recovering and is expected to resume tapings in January. But this does raise the question—how long can he host the show? And who will take his place when he decides to retire? Jeopardy! just won’t be the same without him.
Ellen Degeneres’ new TV “Deal”
Ellen Degeneres will be Deal or No Deal’s
first celebrity briefcase babe. Not exactly an Emmy-award winning role, but she’s a close friend of Howie Mandel. Other stars to sign the “deal” with her are the cast of “The Office”.
Does this mean she’ll be carrying a suitcase with her next time she dances up the stage on her own show?