6 / 10 (based on 50 reviews)
A trio of American gameshows including The Price Is Right, Strike It Lucky and Play Your Cards Right are being rebooted by ITV in a seven-part series hosted by Alan Carr.
Genre: Game-Show
Main Cast: Alan Carr, John Sachs, Richard Ashdown, Richard Blackwood
Creators: Charlie Bennett, Laura Gibson
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 16 episodes
Shows Most Like Alan Carr’s Epic Gameshow (2020)
Gogglebox (2013)
7.4 / 10 (based on 2770 reviews)
Some of Britain’s most opinionated and avid TV viewers comment freely on the best and worst television shows of the past week, from the comfort of their sofas.
Genre: Reality-TV
Main Cast: Ralf Woerdenweber, Josh Tapper, Alex Michael, Craig Cash
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
18 seasons, 204 episodes, 50.0-minute runtime
Porridge (1974)
8.3 / 10 (based on 6439 reviews)
The prison life of Fletcher, a criminal serving a five-year sentence, as he strives to bide his time, keep his record clean, and refuses to be ground down by the prison system.
Genre: Comedy, Crime
Main Cast: Ronnie Barker, Brian Wilde, Fulton Mackay, Richard Beckinsale
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
3 seasons, 20 episodes, 45.0-minute runtime
Rolling in It (2020)
5.6 / 10 (based on 34 reviews)
Stephen Mulhern presents this new game show featuring a giant arcade machine. Members of the public partner celebrity guests in three teams to roll coins down the conveyor belt to win cash prizes.
Genre: Game-Show
Main Cast: Stephen Mulhern, Jimmy Carr, John Thomson, Samia Longchambon
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 14 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
Beat the Chasers (2020)
7.6 / 10 (based on 170 reviews)
In the first round, the contestant from the audience is asked up to five multiple choice questions. In the second round, the contestant plays for a jackpot in a quiz against up to five celebrity contestants from The Chase.
Genre: Game-Show
Main Cast: Bradley Walsh, Anne Hegerty, Mark Labbett, Jenny Ryan
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
5 seasons, 26 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
I Can See Your Voice: UK (2021)
5.4 / 10 (based on 114 reviews)
British version of the South Korean singing/guessing game. A team of two players aim to win cash prizes by guessing who can and can’t sing from a group of mystery singers – without hearing them sing a note.
Genre: Game-Show, Reality-TV
Main Cast: Paddy McGuinness, Jimmy Carr, Alison Hammond, Amanda Holden
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 11 episodes
The Last Leg (2012)
7.1 / 10 (based on 1597 reviews)
Aussie comedian and amputee athlete, Adam Hills, British comedian Josh Widdicombe, UK’s most famous amputee comedian Alex Brooker, and their celebrity guests provide topical commentary on the week.
Genre: Comedy, News, Talk-Show
Main Cast: Adam Hills, Josh Widdicombe, Alex Brooker, Rosie Jones
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
24 seasons, 277 episodes, 45.0-minute runtime
Alan Carr’s Epic Gameshow is a television series that brings back to life some of the most iconic game shows from the past, repackaging them with a modern twist. Hosted by Alan Carr, a comedian known for his quick wit and charming personality, the show has managed to carve out a unique space for itself in the realm of entertainment. This article aims to explore the show in detail, discussing its format, the games featured, and the overall impact it has had.
The Format
At its core, Alan Carr’s Epic Gameshow operates on a simple premise: take classic game shows and give them a fresh coat of paint. Each episode revives a beloved game show format, ranging from “Play Your Cards Right” to “The Price is Right”, and “Bullseye” to “Take Your Pick”. The show isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about bringing these games into the 21st century while retaining the charm that made them popular in the first place.
The format involves contestants, often members of the public, competing in various challenges to win prizes. These can range from small cash prizes to significant sums of money, and sometimes even cars and holiday trips. The inclusion of celebrity specials also adds an extra layer of entertainment, as viewers get to see their favorite stars compete in a light-hearted setting.
The Games
Play Your Cards Right
One of the games featured is “Play Your Cards Right”, a classic card game where contestants must predict whether the next card will be higher or lower than the one before. It’s a test of luck and nerve, as players decide whether to stick with their current card or take a risk for a bigger reward.
The Price is Right
“The Price is Right” is another game that makes an appearance on Alan Carr’s Epic Gameshow. Contestants are tasked with guessing the price of various items, from everyday household products to more expensive goods. It’s a game that combines luck with a bit of strategy, as contestants try to get as close to the actual price without going over.
Bullseye
“Bullseye” is a unique blend of darts and trivia, where contestants answer questions to earn chances to throw darts at a target. Points scored contribute to their overall score, which determines the prizes they can win. It’s a game that requires both knowledge and skill, making it a standout feature of the show.
Take Your Pick
“Take Your Pick” is a game of chance and decision-making. Contestants are presented with a series of boxes or doors and must choose wisely to win the prize hidden behind. However, not all choices lead to rewards; some conceal booby prizes, adding an element of suspense to the game.
Impact and Reception
Alan Carr’s Epic Gameshow has been well-received by both audiences and critics alike. Its success can be attributed to several factors, not least of which is its appeal to nostalgia. By bringing back these classic games, the show taps into a collective memory, reminding viewers of simpler times. However, it’s not just about looking back; the show also updates these formats, making them relevant to today’s audiences.
The choice of Alan Carr as host has also been a significant factor in the show’s popularity. His humor and charisma bring a light-heartedness to the proceedings, making the games even more enjoyable. His interaction with the contestants adds a personal touch, creating moments of genuine connection that elevate the show beyond a simple game show format.
Moreover, the show has been praised for its production values. The sets, lighting, and overall presentation are top-notch, creating an engaging viewing experience. The attention to detail in recreating the original game show sets, while also modernizing them, demonstrates a respect for the source material that fans appreciate.
Conclusion
Alan Carr’s Epic Gameshow is more than just a trip down memory lane. It’s a celebration of some of the most beloved game shows in television history, brought back to life with a contemporary twist. Through its engaging format, diverse range of games, and charismatic host, the show has managed to capture the hearts of a new generation of viewers, while also appealing to those who remember the original shows fondly.
The success of Alan Carr’s Epic Gameshow lies in its ability to balance nostalgia with innovation. By respecting the essence of the original games while introducing new elements, the show offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a long-time fan of game shows or someone looking for light-hearted entertainment, Alan Carr’s Epic Gameshow delivers on all fronts.
In a television landscape often criticized for lacking originality, Alan Carr’s Epic Gameshow stands out as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic game shows. It reminds us that sometimes, looking back can be the best way to move forward.