Key Conventions of TV Game Shows

• Mostly quiz shows or game shows (with a graphical side - Blockbusters).

• Opening credits with theme song and clear name of the TV Game Show:
• CGI is used to present the nature of the Show,
• Font usually displays the main audience (Bubble font, colourful, sans-serif, upper-case are examples of anchors leading to a younger audience - handwriting font),
• Show usually begins and ends with an ELS showing the set o f the Show or the area where it is set (if outdoors) or the challenges ahead (Total Wipeout),
• Type of theme song is important to determine the primary audience.

• Co-presentors (Main and Second) depending on the format of the TV Game Show:
• Usually male host is dressed in formal clothes and often has an attractive female assistant dressed in formal but slightly revealing clothes (male gaze theory),
• Host tries to make humour to interact with the audience,
• Assistant may flirt with contestants (as she is sexualised - male gaze theory),
• Humour could be added between each of the parts of the Show (Total Wipeout).

 

• Preview of action scenes (if appropriate format).
• Introduction of contestants (background story):
• Gradual elimination in order to win a prize (money, car, travel),
• Shots of family members in the audience (might be cheering for the contestants),
• Sometimes a funny shot of the contestants are taken before the Show begins to set humour (Total Wipeout).

• Short explanation of the game at the beginning.
• Slow motion could be added in scenes where people are falling (adds humour - Total Wipeout).
• Program sponsorship (after each break DURING the show).
• Part of a franchise (international versions).