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: All

Star Family
Fortunes

Game Show 2:
Tipping Point

Game Show 3:
Catchphrase

Game Show 4: Countdown

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.

YES. Families stand

behind a podium.
The studio is a warm,
with blue and purple
colours illuminated.

YES. The set has

colours such as
different shades of
blue, and a darker red.
Each contestant has
their own podium.

YES. Contestants stand

behind podiums. The
studio is a blue colour,
illuminated with yellow,
orange and red lights.

YES. The main colour is a warm

tone blue. There are also colder
colours such as white, grey and
black. Each contestant have
their spot.

YES. Vernon Kay is a

popular U.K. host,
who is conventionally
handsome. He is
very friendly and has
a northern normal
register (accent).

YES. The host is Ben

Shepard who is a
popular UK host. He
also presents Good
Morning Britain, so
many people are
familiar with him.

YES. Nick Hewer is the host that

is currently presenting. He is an
English television presenter and
former public relations
consultant. The previous hosts
include: Jeff Stelling, Des
O'Connor, Des Lynam and
Richard Whiteley.

Contestants apply to join the show and vary

in age and background. They are selected
because they have something about them,

YES. Family
contestants. The
game show is played

YES. The contestants

are chosen at random
from applications.

YES. The current host is

Stephen Mulhern, who
is an English presenter,
entertainer, and former
magician. Some
previous presenter
includes Roy Walker,
Nick Weir and Mark
Curry.
YES. Anyone can
choose to be a
contestant. Catchphrase

YES. Anyone can choose to

apply and appear on the game
show. Countdown appears

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.

Gimmicks or catchphrases are often used

at 7pm on Saturday
which suits prime
time slot. Wide
representations.
Celebrity Sells
NO.

They are your normal,

everyday people.

is played on Saturday at
around 6pm, which is
near the prime time. The
show is then replayed
on Sunday.
YES. Puzzle Solving

several times a week at 3:10pm.

YES. The questions

are simple and
mainstream, which
are relatable and
appeal to a wider
range of audience.
The answers are
non-specific.

YES. The questions

are fairly easy and
about everyday life to
make it relatable to the
audience. The
contestants have to
buzz in to answer the
question.

YES. The puzzle that

the contestants have to
solve is a catchphrase.
The contestants are
shown a short animated
clip which shows a
catchphrase.

NO.

YES. The prize is

money to a chosen
charity. Charity
Sells. Moral
Exhibitions?

YES. The prize is

money, and up to 10k
can be won by the final
person who is still in
for the last round.

YES. The prize is

money. The maximum
amount of money that
can be won is 50k.

YES. Our Survey

NO.

YES. Say what you

YES. A Countdown teapot is

awarded to any contestant who
wins a game. The winner of a
game returns for the next show.
If a player wins eight games,
they retire for the rest of the
series. At the end of the series,
the eight players with the most
wins are invited back to compete
in the series finals. Whoever
wins is the Grand Champion.
NO.

YES. Theres a
physical side to it.

YES. There are word and

number puzzles.

to make each show original and become part

of the national consciousness.

Says and XX noise

when wrong answer
is given.

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.

YES. The music is

very upbeat and
catchy.

YES. The music is

catchy and has a
happy beat to it.

see and Its a good

guess, but its not right.
There is also a mascot
called Mr. Chips, a gold
robot.
YES. The opening
theme tune is very
upbeat, and therefore
its catchy.

YES. The music is catchy, and

everyone knows it.