The Blog Is Right: Game Show Reviews and More!

The Blog Is Right Is Moving To WordPress

2017-06-19T09:00:00.000-04:00

Effective immediately, The Blog Is Right is moving from Blogger to WordPress. The new URLs for the main site are theblogisright.com & theblogisright.wordpress.com. The new site features every review I have published on the original site, along with a few of my favorite articles. Even though this page will no longer be updated, the old TBIR site will not be taken down for the time being. Make sure to update your browser’s bookmarks if you’ve saved this page and enjoy the new site.

"Emogenius" Review

2017-06-14T10:04:00.000-04:00

Set Design- 7
Gameplay- 9
Show Flow- 9
Potential Viewer Ratings- 7
Play-Along Factor- 10
Host- 7
Overall Rating- 8.1

STAY TUNED: Summer Game Shows To Watch

2017-06-11T15:05:00.002-04:00

There are a lot of game show premieres coming down the pike within the next couple weeks, including the ABC game shows returning tonight. This week, ABC reignites its Sunday primetime game show lineup with the brand new reality competition series Funderdome making its network debut, SuperHuman is airing its first episode of the season since the competitive human interest series premiered as a one-off special in January, and Winsanity and Emogenius premiere on GSN for their second and first seasons, respectively. Take a look at the other shows scheduled to air in the next few weeks along with previews of each series in the videos below.

"Beat Shazam" Review

2017-06-10T10:56:00.001-04:00

Set Design- 8

Gameplay- 5

Show Flow- 6

Potential Viewer Ratings- 9

Play-Along Factor- 10

Host- 9
Overall Rating- 7.8

"Love Connection" Review

2017-06-06T13:14:00.000-04:00

Set Design- 5

Gameplay- 10

Show Flow- 7

Potential Viewer Ratings- 7

Play-Along Factor- 9

Host- 9

Overall Rating- 7.8

Jeopardy’s 2017 Teachers Tournament $100,000 Finals Begins Tonight

2017-05-18T13:17:00.002-04:00

Much like every Jeopardy! tournament, this one did not disappoint. Jeopardy’s 2017 Teachers Tournament will soon come to a close within the next two days as we have reached the competition’s two-day finals beginning today. David Clemmons, an 11th grade U.S. history teacher from Fort Worth, TX; Nan Cohen, a high school English teacher from Van Nuys, CA; and Mary Parker, a high school French and English teacher from Rogers, AK., are the three finalists who will be playing for the $100,000 grand prize plus a spot in the show’s annual Tournament of Champions on today’s and Friday’s shows. This year’s teacher’s tournament has been incredible to watch from the start of last Monday’s first quarterfinal game. In the eight games played thus far, we have yet to see a runaway game, where a contestant mathematically eliminated their opponents heading into Final Jeopardy by posting an insurmountable score. Even Alex Trebek has praised the overall superb performance of gameplay throughout the two-week event by saying at the top of yesterday’s episode, “[T]he quality of play in this year’s Teachers Tournament has been exceptional – much better than any tournament I can recall in recent memory.”

TBS Revives "The Joker's Wild" With Snoop Dogg To Host

2017-05-17T09:55:00.000-04:00

It looks like revivals are trending upward as each day passes, from the return of hit sitcoms like Will & Grace and Roseanne to ABC’s decision to bring back American Idol for another season. This morning, TBS announced its decision to revive The Joker’s Wild later this year during its annual upfront presentation. The network has tapped Snoop Dogg to host the upcoming game show. Produced by Sony Pictures TV in association with Turner’s Studio T, the revamped version of The Joker’s Wild will be created in Snoop Dogg’s “own casino” with a comedic angle and mini-games will be played in lieu of trivia questions (or definitions if you remember the 90s reboot). Aside from the series’ iconic, enlarged slot machine; playing cards and giant dice will also be introduced in this version.

Snoop Dogg and $100,000 Pyramid host Michael Strahan will serve as the executive producers along with SMAC’s Constance Schwartz-Morin, Snoopadelic Films’ Ted Chung and Vincent Rubino.

How To Play “Emogenius”, Premieres June 14 on GSN

2017-05-12T10:00:00.000-04:00

GSN’s newest game show Emogenius is set to make its series premiere June 14 at 9:00pm ET. Hosted by Hunter March, from Awesomeness TV, the social media, tech-savvy game show has two pairs of teams face a series of three rounds where they will have to decipher famous names, places, events, TV shows and other pop culture references solely based on the emojis shown on the screen, as shown in the sneak peek promo below. The team with the highest cash total at the end of the third round wins the game and advances to the bonus round to play for the show’s $10,000 grand prize. Today’s article will specifically breakdown how each of the four rounds is played.

UPDATE: GSN has pushed back the premiere date of Emogenius to June 14 at the same time of 9:00pm ET. The show was originally scheduled to air on June 7.

New Syndicated Game Show “iWitness” Set To Debut July 10

2017-05-02T10:25:00.000-04:00

While Celebrity Name Game is (unfortunately) on its way out this year, it looks a new game show could be taking its place this summer. Judge Judy Sheindlin, the queen of the television courtroom, has created the latest game show to hit the syndicated circuit: iWitness (tentative title). Hosted by former Wipeout commentator John Henson, the show three contestants will be engaged in a competitive test of observation and recall by watching a series of videos and images for a chance to advance to the end game worth $20,000. The half-hour series is produced by Sheindlin’s production company, Queen Bee Productions, FremantleMedia North America and Debmar Mercury. Famed game show producer Scott St. John serves as the showrunner of iWitness.

The show launches its six-week test on select FOX affiliate stations in top markets beginning July 10. Should the test run prove to be a success, FremantleMedia NA and Debmar Mercury may launch the show nationally in fall 2018. FremantleMedia and Debmar Mercury would respectively handle international and domestic distribution.

Let’s hope this will be a better memory-based game show than GSN’s Instant Recall.

USA Network Set To Air “Big Star Little Star” In May With Host Cat Deely

2017-04-16T17:01:00.001-04:00

As a part of the network’s summer schedule, USA is set to premiere its new game show Big Star Little Star hosted by Cat Deeley. The upcoming show is formatted similar to The Newlywed Game and has three celebrities pair with their children to answer questions regarding how well they know each other. Some of the stars who will compete on the show include Todd Chrisley, Chad Johnson, Teri Polo, Nicole Sullivan, Joey Fatone, Christina Milian, Mario Lopez and Penn Jillette. The show is set to debut May 31 at 9:00pm ET and is based on the 2013 ITV game show, Big Star's Little Star. USA Network hasn’t aired an original game show since Smush (hosted by Ken Ober with Lisa Dergan as co-host) in 2001.

VH1 Renews "Hip Hop Squares" For A Second Season

2017-04-10T11:49:00.001-04:00

About a few days before the revived series wraps up its first season on the network, VH1 announced its decision to order an additional season of Hip Hop Squares. The decision stems from the show averaging healthy ratings, including the premiere episode attracting 3.2 million total viewers. It has ranked as the top non-sports cable show in its time period with

persons 18-34 and VH1’s highest-rate new series in a year. The new edition of Hip Hop Squares is executive produced by Ice Cube and hosted by DeRay Davis. The show wraps up its first season tonight at 9:00pm and 9:30pm ET with rappers Fat Joe and French Montana squaring off (no pun intended) in the first episode and singing trios Bell Biv DeVoe and SWV compete against each other in the second.

"Bracket Genius" Review

2017-03-30T19:37:00.000-04:00

Set Design- 6

Gameplay- 10

Show Flow- 9

Potential Viewer Ratings- 5

Play-Along Factor- 10

Host- 8

Overall Rating- 8.0

“Cash Cab” Returns To Discovery Channel This Year

2017-03-27T13:22:00.001-04:00

The network announced its decision to revive the hit cable game show, which originally ran for 10 seasons from 2005-2012, a couple hours ago. Comedian David Steinberg will executive produce the new season and Lion USA with Norton Productions will return to produce the show. The ambush-style game show has a cab pick up unexpected passengers and engage them in a general knowledge trivia game where they could earn hundreds (sometimes thousands) of dollars in cash for correct answers or risk being kicked to the curb with nothing. The new season debuts later this year and features celebrities joining in on the fun of driving the Cash Cab and picking up passengers. Although stand-up comedian Ben Bailey originally hosted the series – and won three Daytime Emmys for Outstanding Game Show Host in the process – no permanent host has been named yet for the revived series.

"Bracket Genius" To Start Tournament March 22 On ESPN2

2017-03-20T11:52:00.000-04:00

Just in time for the NCAA's annual March Madness tournaments, ESPN2's new game show, Bracket Genius, is set to begin its bracket-style contest on March 22. Hosted by veteran ESPN anchor Trey Wingo, Bracket Genius pits 16 college teams of three against each other in general knowledge quiz tournament, with the winner receiving $100,000. Between tournament play, the four finalists have a chance to win up to $25,000 in cash and prizes in Extra Credit special episodes. The eight-episode season debuted last Wednesday to give viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the new series. The opening rounds will air on March 22 & 26 at 5:00pm & 5:30pm ET, the Extra Credit shows on March 27 at 6:00pm & 6:30pm ET and the hourlong championship finale on April 4 at 7:00pm ET. Reruns of each episode will air on ESPNU, including the Study Guide premiere episode at 3:30pm ET today. Check your listings for additional air times. Take a look at the debut episode on WatchESPN now, while it's still available.
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GSN 2017 Upfront Recap

2017-03-14T19:03:00.002-04:00

For this year’s upfront presentation, the network decided to streamline the event by forgoing the live annual breakfast upfront session, which featured Rebecca Romijn, RuPaul and Donald Faison last year, and simply honed its focus on discussing statistics that expand beyond gender and age and demographics. Some of the data metrics John Zaccario, executive VP of advertising sales and CMO, paid particular attention to include how GSN has fared against other ad-supported cable channels in the last five years in length of tune and frequency of tune (how long audiences watch the network in one sitting and how often viewers watch). GSN is ranked among the top 10 cable entertainment networks in the A25-54 demo for average spin per buyer in department stores, fast food, mass merchandiser, physical retail stores and wireless. Listed below are a couple more noteworthy statistical highlights concerning the network’s performance.

Third Season of “Hip Hop Squares” To Premiere Monday, March 13 on VH1

2017-03-12T20:45:00.000-04:00

After taking a four-year hiatus, Hip Hop Squares is set to return for a brand new, completely revamped series tomorrow at 9:00pm and 9:30pm ET. A lot of changes are coming down the pike for Hip Hop Squares including the show moving from New York to Los Angeles, a brand new set, a new host in former frequent HHS panelist DeRay Davis and the new series is executive produced by Ice Cube. The other major change that has seemingly occurred in this series is that two celebrities will compete on each episode instead of civilian contestants. Models Tyson Beckford will be facing Don Benjamin in the first episode and husband/wife Ray J and Princess Love will be going head-to-head against each other in the second episode. Check out a special five-minute preview of the premiere episode on VH1.com and stay tuned for the star-studded, exciting, lively and unpredictable third season of Hip Hop Squares starting tomorrow on VH1.

NBC Orders “Ellen’s Game of Games”

2017-03-05T14:40:00.001-05:00

NBC has officially given the green light to Ellen DeGeneres’ new series, Ellen’s Game of Games, with a six-episode order. The primetime game show, produced by Warner Horizon Television, is comprised of games featured on Ellen’s daytime talk show including What’s In The Box?, Know Or Go? and Heads Up! – the latter which was picked up as a series on HLN only to be shelved months later. DeGeneres will serve as host and as an executive producer through her studio-based production company A Very Good Production. Mary Connelly, Ed Glavin, Andy Lassner, Kevin Leman, Jeff Kleeman and David A. Hurwitz will also serve as executive producers. Excited for her new primetime series, DeGeneres said, “We’re pulling out all the stops — gigantic sets, hilarious games. It’s going to be like a combination of ‘American Ninja Warrior,’ ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race,’ and a water park. OK, it’s nothing like that, but you should still watch.” No word yet on when the show premieres.

Hasbro & eOne To Develop “Boggle Battle” Game Show

2017-03-05T14:40:00.000-05:00

Earlier last week, Entertainment One and Hasbro Studios announced its plans to develop a new game show called Boggle Battle. Created by Cleve Keller and Dave Noll (Chopped, Winsanity) takes the classic word game and puts a unique spin on it to include three trio of teams engage in a series of elimination rounds while testing their pop culture knowledge. The winner advances to the Super Boggle bonus for a chance to win big prizes. The gameplay takes place on a super-sized, vibrant and colorful version of the Boggle board. Keller and Noll states, “With impressive visuals, new categories and the clock always counting down, Boggle Battle will add a new level of hilarity and excitement to the game show world. Viewers and contestants alike will be stumbling over each other to shout out creative answers while trying to beat the clock.”

The Price Is Right’s Third Celebrity Week Begins Monday, February 20

2017-02-19T15:09:00.002-05:00

After placing the star-studded special event on a four-year hiatus, Celebrity Charity Week returns to The Price Is Right starting on President’s Day tomorrow morning during CBS Daytime. Stars Jack Black, Wilmer Valderrama, Jane Lynch, Julie Bowen and Chris O’Donnell will help present Showcases and contestants win prizes by playing various pricing games throughout the week. Whatever prizes the contestants win, the stars receive the value of the prizes in cash for their selected charities. In the second Showcase Showdown, the star spins the Big Wheel and the amount they land on is multiplied times $100, meaning they could add between $500-$10,000 to their charity bank.

“Release The Hounds” Returns For Third Series Beginning Tonight

2017-02-09T13:21:00.001-05:00

Perhaps the most terrifying horror-themed game show ever devised kicks off its third series starting tonight at 9:00pm on ITV2. Hosted by Reggie Yates, this seven-episode series features celebrities take on scary and frightening challenges in a remote forest in an effort to improve their chances of escaping the carnivorous, fleet-footed hounds and win thousands of pounds for their respective charities. Tonight’s series premiere episode sees The Only Way Is Essex stars Bobby Cole Norris, Pete Wicks and Chloe Sims face demented garbagemen, a warehouse full of evil toys and an army of clowns. Check out the promo below and stay tuned for Release The Hounds: Famous & Freaked for the next couple of months on ITV2!
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ITV Greenlights "Babushka" With Host Rylan Clark-Neal

2017-02-01T12:00:00.001-05:00

Last week, the UK network announced its 20-episode order of the Armoza Formats game show Babuska. STV Productions will produce the show alongside Armoza. The big money primetime game show has contestants face ten giant Russian babushka dolls and eight must be opened for a chance to win up to £44,000. The contestant continues to win money as long as they keep opening dolls with cash inside. However, if they open an empty doll, they lose all of the winnings they had accumulated to that point. This week, Rylan Clark-Neal has been named the host the upcoming game show. Clark-Neal was the former host of The Xtra Factor prior to its cancellation and is currently a host on Celebrity Big Brother’s Bit On The Side and This Morning. Babushka is scheduled to air later this year.

“The $100,000 Pyramid” To Hold Open Casting Calls + Quick Q&A with Casting Director Melissa Miron Stewart

2017-01-27T10:32:00.000-05:00

Starting in a couple of weeks, ABC’s The $100,000 Pyramid kicks off its first-ever open casting call for the new season. Beginning February 7, Pyramid will be holding open contestant auditions in three cities including New York City, Chicago and Atlanta. Check out the flyer posted below and castingpyramid.com for more information. I had a chance to get in contact with a member of the casting crew for the series and ask a few questions pertaining to what it takes to become a contestant on The $100,000 Pyramid. Take a look at my brief interview with casting director Melissa Miron Stewart below.

NBC Orders “5 Gold Rings” Pilot Based On ITV Format

2017-01-24T21:42:00.001-05:00

This morning, the network has announced its decision to greenlight a pilot episode of 5 Gold Rings based on the UK format developed by Possessed (part of ITV Studios) and Talpa. The US adaptation will be produced by ITV Entertainment. The game is played on an interactive LED floor and teams must answer questions against the clock while placing the five gold rings within the proximity of the correct answer. As the game progresses, the questions get tougher and the rings get smaller. Each incorrect answer costs a team a ring and the team with the most rings after five rounds wins the game. The show is also developing a play-along app for home viewers.

New “Millionaire Hot Seat Super Game” Format To Debut January 23

2017-01-16T12:49:00.001-05:00

In an effort to recapture its ratings dominance from Seven Network’s The Chase, Millionaire Hot Seat is set to expand its format from a half-hour to an hourlong series. The new format will also bring about new changes to the Nine Network show. "The original Who Wants To Be A Millionaire went for eight years, then we came back with this show eight years ago, so it's the right time to give it a bit of a shake-up", says host Eddie McGuire. Listed below are the changes coming to the recently revised game show.
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News In A Flash!: Quick Game Show Updates #100

2017-01-15T21:37:00.000-05:00

This was quite the busy news week in the world of game shows. Earlier this week, we had learned that Jamie Foxx will be the host of a “Name That Tune”-style game show called Beat Shazaam, Andy Cohen will be the host of FOX’s Love Connection revival and Starcade is making a comeback. That’s just the tip of the iceberg. This week's update article will take a look at more of the latest US and international game show news from the past week in 200 characters or less.