Generic Conventions of Television Game Shows

Generic Conventions of Television Game Shows

 

Definition: A Game show is a programme, on television or radio, where contestant(s) demonstrate knowledge by answering questions and has a competitive element.

 

Generic Convention	Game Show 1: All Star Family Fortunes	Game Show 2: The Price is Right US	Game Show 3: Family Feud	Game Show 4: Total Wipeout
Set in a television studio. Set design often includes a podium behind which the contestant stands.  Light is often an important element of the mise-en-scene with lights dimmed or spotlights used to heighten dramatic tension.	Families are behind a podium. Warm Illuminated	Very Bright colours   Podiums for contestants In a TV studio Very light	Families behind podiums Vibrant colours	Not in a studio No podiums as it is course
The host is sometimes a key element of the show and is often someone whose ‘A list days’ are over; a TV star from a different TV genre; a comedian.  The host often holds cards as an aide-memoire for introducing contestants. Traditionally the host is male, accompanied by a ‘glamorous assistant’.	Vernon Kay popular UK host conventionaly handsome Northern- accent- register- friendly, handsome	Drew Carey at present Well known in US Friendly Funny	Steve Harvey Very popular and well known around the world Funny Friendly	Richard Hammond Popular in UK Funny Co Host is Amanda Byram Fairly attractive
Contestants apply to join the show and vary in age and background.  They are selected because they have something about them, which will help make the show successful or are selected at random. Contestants are sometimes selected from the studio audience.	Celebrity family contestants Suits prime time slot, wide representations	Always happy and jumpy and dancing Different ages Contestants change when someone loses	Family contestants Sometime are famous	Open to anyone except children Celebrities sometimes go on it in Specials
The games can vary from physical tasks to practical or puzzle-solving tasks -	No games	Guessing the price of items. Other mini-games which include money	No games	Different courses for the competitors to do
The questions (if it is a quiz/gameshow hybrid) can vary depending on the target audience.  They are usually set independently. Contestants usually know what type of questions they’ll be asked; often start easy and get harder. Technology has increased the way audiences and contestants can see & respond to questions.	Non-specific answers Simple Mainstream Relatable Wide appeal	Only question the host asks is related to “How much is the item?”	Questions asked based on a survey Non-specific answers Simple and mainstream Relatable appeal	No questions
The prizes can be large e.g. cars and holidays or small e.g. a glass bowl. Sometimes the prize is the title of being the champion. Usually even the losers go away with something even if it just the experience.	Money to charity £30,000 Charity sells Moral exhibitionism?	Different luxury items includes cars, holidays and appliances	Money for the non- famous families	Trophy Money £10,000
Gimmicks or catchphrases are often used to make each show original and become part of the national consciousness.	‘Our survey says…’ The sound of the “X” when they get a wrong answer.	“The Price is Right” Said every time they get it correct.	None	No catchphrases
Music often used first as a catchy theme tune and then as mood music to increase tension or to signal different parts of the show.	Up beat Catchy	Upbeat	Upbeat Catchy	Very intense and dramatic