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: family

fortunes

Game Show 2:deal or no

deal

Game Show 3: pointless

Game Show 4:total wipe out

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.
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.
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.
The games can vary from physical tasks to practical or
puzzle-solving tasks -

Families behind podiumwarm- illuminated

Families and friends warmeveryone has podiumsilluminated

Pairs behind podiums- dark

colours not very illuminated

People of all walks of life

against each otherilluminated by sunlight

Vernon kay- popular UK hostconventionally- accentregister- northern -handsomenormal and friendly

Noel Edmonds- popular UK

host- heart warming middle
aged

Alexander Armstrong
popular UK comedian and
presenter- middle aged

Richard Hammond- popular

Uk presenter- middle aged

Family contestants- suits

prime time slot- wide
representations

Family contestants- day time/

after school time slot

Family/friend contestants- day

time/after school time slot

Different types of people- week

day evening slot

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 theyll be asked; often start easy and get harder.
Technology has increased the way audiences and
contestants can see & respond to 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

Simple- mainstream- relatablewide appeals

Moving through a obstacle

course over water in the
quickest time possible

Money to charity- charity sellsexhibitionism

Finding the least popular

answer- hard questions

Money for families- reasons

why they want the moneycould leave with nothing

Money and the pointless

trophy

Money- total wipe out trophy

even if it just the experience.

Gimmicks or catchphrases are often used to make each
show original and become part of the national
consciousness.

our survey says- XX

deal or no deal

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.

Upbeat-catchy

Phone ringing

The sound of the points

A loud bell at the start of the

course