“Blockbusters” Returns With New Episodes on July 9th
Challenge just finished airing the first 20 episodes of their popular revival of Blockbusters, but you don’t have to wait long to see some new shows. The second batch of 20 episodes will begin in two weeks; on Monday, July 9th. The returning show kicks off with a celebrity edition. Famous names taking part include Paul Daniels and Debbie McGee, Fatima Whitbread, Keith Duffy, Alex James and Konnie Huq. The first twenty episodes of Blockbusters peaked at 355,000 viewers, quadrupling the network’s usual rating. It was the second largest recorded rating since Challenge’s numbers were archived beginning in 2006. Simon Mayo hosts.
In case you missed it, here’s the first episode of the new series. We’re big fans of the revival and we’re glad to see it back.
Said before, will say again: This is what happens when a classic format is respected in the development of the revival. Well done, Challenge UK! Can only hope their success continues with series 2, and similar results for GSN (if or) when Pyramid comes to air…
It’s ratings are a good sign that it will be renewed for a second season. I still wish, though, that the top prize was a little bit bigger and more life-enhancing than just a trip like a new car or 10,000 pounds cash. I mean, it’s tough work winning 5 matches on that show. Oh, if only UK game shows were allowed to have product placement. That’s the main regulation that is keeping daytime shows there from offering more significant prizes.
But UK shows are allowed to have product placement.
Is it a good idea to bring Blockbusters back to the states on network television if the Fox TV network started a daytime lineup of game shows including Blockbusters, Card Sharks, Dating Game, Gambit, Go!, Jackpot!, Now You See It, To Tell The Truth, etc.?
Or better yet, NBC could re-launch a daytime line-up. Fox is pretty cheap with daytime shows considering what they pick up in syndication (Family Feud, Temptation when it was on, and other shows that some cable networks picked up). NBC, on the other hand, was willing to produce a daytime version of Deal or no Deal with a $500,000 top prize, so they clearly take daytime game shows more seriously. Plus, many NBC markets air 2 hours of Judge Judy (mostly repeats) daily, so they certainly can market their on shows.