1. CRAZY GAME & PUZZLE GAME
In the constantly changing media world, game shows of all types continue their soothing and relaxing mission. In the last days 2 brand new formats of this evergreen genre have been announced.
The first one is Lotería Loca (Crazy Lottery) and is based on the very popular Latin game of chance known now as “Lotería”. Hosted and exec produced by Jaime Camil (pic), the series is currently in development for CBS.
In each episode, two players go head-to-head and take turns picking cards to get four-in-a-row, which is “Lotería”. Each time a number appears on their bingo-style card, they bank big money. Landing on one of the “Loca Cards” gives players the opportunity to bank even more cash by competing in interactive challenges. The player who gets the most “Loterías” on their board the fastest, moves on to the final round for a chance to win the ultimate show cash prize.
The second one -Puzzling (w.t.)- has been commissioned by Paramount Global–owned UK broadcaster Channel 5 and produced by ITV Studios–owned indie 12 Yard Productions and Wheelhouse as a prime-time quiz show, dedicated to testing contestants’ problem-solving abilities.
Lucy Worsley (pic) -the British historian, author, curator and television presenter-seeks to challenge Britain’s brightest minds as they do battle to be crowned Britain’s ultimate puzzler. At the start of each episode, six strangers are split into two teams of three. The two teams try to accumulate the most points through their powers of puzzling deduction.
Every area of our player’s mind will be tested across five puzzling rounds – In Other Words (language), Pressure Points (calculation), Rule Breakers (lateral thinking), Picture This (visual intelligence) and Memory Bank (memory). Then the winning team turn on each other to be named the ‘Best of the Best’ and earn a place in the series Grand Final where the ultimate puzzler will be crowned.
The fact that there are a number of other games with the same concept (e.g. Fremantle’s The Golden Brain) shows the effectiveness of this formula.
2. SONGS IN MY WAY
Songs -and music in general- has always been an important “fuel” for entertainment. Formats since the beginning of television and from all parts of the world have dealt with this subject in every way, trying to come up with something new, at least in some details.
My Way, which successfully premiered on Finnish commercial broadcaster Nelonen on Friday 5th May in a primetime slot, produced from Rabbit Formats, has a very simple but touching twist. In every episode there is a group of musicians in the studio, chosen from the most popular in the country. Each one picks a song that has a special meaning to them and then translates it into their own language (in this case Finnish) and style.
Performing the lyrics in their own language brings a new emotional connection to the song. We will also get to hear each artist’s personal stories behind their song of choice. A way to join song and emotion, turning global international classic hits into local versions.
3. VILLAINS TO THE RESCUE
NBCUniversal has revealed the 2023/24 programming line-ups for its US cab channels Bravo, E!, Syfy and USA Network. The slate includes a number of returning hits and franchises (Real Housewives, Top Chef, Temptation Island…), a brand-new social experiment from Studio Lambert (The Traitors, The Circle, Undercover Boss) of which nothing is known yes -not even the title-, and more.
The most curious show seems to be House of Villains, that will premier on E! in the fall, hosted by the actor, comedian and television host Joel McHale. The format is another “reality squared” - i.e. formats whose participants come from other realities (see Friday’s Espresso 5th May)-, but with a twist: the participants are 10 of reality television’s most iconic villains who will be under one roof where they must outsmart, out-manipulate and out-scheme each other through a series of challenges in order to win a cash prize and the title of ‘America’s Ultimate Supervillain’.
The full cast has not yet been revealed but is expected to include former contestants from shows like The Amazing Race, The Bachelor, Survivor, Love Is Blind, The Traitors and others (pics).
The “reality squared” phenomenon continues stronger than ever.