I've always wondered what drew masses into watching what can often become spirit-crushing game-shows, such as the cringe-worthy X-Factor or Family Fortunes. Why do they appeal to such a mass audience?
Earlier this year in a moment of boredom, I turned on my television and found what seemed at the time, the worst game show ever. Deal or no Deal, Channel 4's cult TV show, presented by Noel Edmonds, features 22 identical sealed boxes, which contain a certain amount of money. A contestant, chosen at random from the line-up, has to eliminate each box, and hopefully, win themselves a life-changing sum of money.
So in effect, it's just a game of chance, right? Why then has this dull excuse for a programme become one of Channel 4's most viewed broadcasts? For a while, I really couldn't understand it myself. The show requires no talent whatsoever. Trained monkeys could play it and win! It doesn't even deserve to be called a "game". It's really just an 'on the spot' lottery!
However this excuse for a game-show is actually a work of genius! Each show brings new contestants, who hold dreams for the money they hope to win.
The captivating game, coupled with cheesy tense music, which would put 'Who wants to be a Millionaire' to shame, takes its audience on a journey of highs and lows that the contestants themselves experience. In the end, if the dreams of the contestant are crushed, it's almost as if the audience feels the same, but if they win, the viewers are in high spirits too!
We, as humans, love to see first hand the success and failure of others. Obviously this is something programme producers have recognised, but it's a successful formula, and key to making these apparently pointless shows into something great.
About this article
This article was produced by David Mcreynolds from our Foyle newsroom. It was published on the Reach for the Sky website.
