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Game shows are one of the most tried-and-true forms of entertainment, with programs like Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, Family Feud, The Price is Right and more having been around for decades.
Now programmers are using these formats to bring viewers into a much more interactive age of television. Right now, this means QR codes on screens, companion apps and early metaverse experiences, but it’s quickly evolving into ever more immersive applications.
This all dovetails with networks, syndicators and streaming services increasingly leaning into game and reality competition shows because they are popular while being efficient to produce, panelists said at TVNewsCheck’s Programming Everywhere event at the NAB Show in Las Vegas on Sunday.
During the panel, Fremantle gave attendees a first look at its “Beat the Buzzr” application, which is being showcased for the first time in Microsoft’s booth at NAB. The application uses a QR code to allow viewers watching Fremantle’s Buzzr free ad-supported (FAST) channel to interact with its classic game shows such as Match Game, To Tell the Truth, Password and many more. To use it, players scan a QR code to play along on their mobile devices. The application was designed to retain and engage audiences, grow new audiences and optimize monetization.
“Some 75% of people are watching along while doing something else on their phone,” said Laura Florence, Fremantle SVP, global FAST channels. “Now we can get them a lean-in experience.”
The app gives Fremantle’s classic game shows a modern update and also travels with them around the world because anyone with a smartphone can