Interactive Game Shows: The Future of Television or Just a Fad?

       For as long as I can remember I’ve been a big fan of game shows.  There’s just something about them that I find entertaining.  Maybe it’s the fact that I can play along as I watch.  Somehow it makes me feel like I’m actually doing something semi-productive with my brain rather than just mindlessly absorbing plotlines from whatever sitcom or drama that happens to be on.  Granted, game shows probably aren’t what one would call “intellectually stimulating,” but hey, I can keep telling myself they are, right?  Nevertheless, the idea of viewer involvement in television programs seems to be the current trend.  We already have an abundance of reality shows in which viewers text or call in to vote for a winner.  Game Show Network, commonly known as GSN, has taken this idea and applied it to the concept of playing along to create a show called “PlayMania.”  This style of programming originated in Great Britain with a program called “Quiznation.” 

       The general premise behind interactive game shows is that various games are played throughout a live two hour program in which the host interacts with the audience.  Viewers pay 99 cents (or nothing if they register online) to be entered for a chance to come on air and answer the questions to win cash or prizes.  The concept was a big success for GSN in the beginning, but over the last few months, several host changes and the introduction of another less popular format seemed to have caused its popularity to wane.  The British version was also recently cancelled in the UK.  Still, I think there is definite potential in this type of programming.  The chances of getting on are too slim for me to actually think about entering, but I do enjoy watching.  The hosts of the show are always engaging and I often feel as if they are simply having a one-way conversation with me rather than hosting a show that is broadcast across the nation.  So, what do you think?  Does this type of show have staying power once the kinks get worked out or is it just another passing fad?  Does it represent a new way of communicating?

       Take a look at the clip and let me know how you feel about it.  But be warned: It can be addictive…

 UPDATE: Unfortunately, PlayMania has been cancelled as of October 31, 2007.  I haven’t had access to cable or satellite TV for several months now, so I won’t be experiencing any withdrawals.  Besides, in the last episodes I had been watching, it had really started to go downhill.  They were playing less games and the pace of the show had slowed down way too much.  Still, I kind of hate to see it end.  I thought it had a lot of potential.  Oh well.  It was fun while it lasted.  Now GSN is showing old episodes of “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” in its place, so I guess it’s back to late night reruns for game show fans and insomniacs.

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