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 fortune

Game Show 2:cube

Game Show 3: catchphrase

Game Show 4: tipping point

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 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
even if it just the experience.

Bright lighting, typical,

audience, music, dazzling

Dark lighting, audience, 4x4

transparent cube

Bright lighting, audience

Colourful lighting , music,

audience,

Vernon key, funny, smiley ,,

northern accent

Phillip schofield,

Stephen mulhren

Ben shepherd

Celebrity, familys behind

podium

People who have entered

Contestants stands behind

podium,3 contestants celebrity
or people who have entered

Like an arcade game

No games

Throwing, catching,etc

Coin pusher

Hybrid, easy, top survey

answer , wide appeal

No questions

Have to try and guess the

catch phrase which is on a
screen

Random questions

Money for charity

Upton 250,000

The prizes vary.

Prize varies

Gimmicks or catchphrases are often used to make each

show original and become part of the national
consciousness.

Our survey says, buzzer

sound effect (correct,
incorrect)

Correct or incorrect sound

effect

Correct/incorrect sound buzzer

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.

Catchy theme tune

Catchy theme

Catchy theme tune and buzzer

sound