American Panel Shows? Page 2

Quote: Sal Paradise @ January 3 2009, 7:25 PM GMT

While they may have some things sort of similar, like Celebrity Squares, they really just don't have this sort of thing over there/here. I think it's a cultural thing. The constant conversation might not go over as well with American crowds. We don't have anything similar in Canada either.

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This is really interesting. I'm surprised the U.S. networks haven't tried to pilot panel shows, as they're cheap to produce and (if given a two hour record time for each 1/2 hour, and good comedians) can be relied upon to deliver laughs.

Surely something like Mock The Week, with their own home-grown comedians on it, would be a bit hit if they tried it?

Mark go pitch it yourself, make millions

The only thing close is "Whose line is it anyway." Not the UK version with Richard Vranch ( who I absolutely adore) on the piano. The US version has some guy with glasses and a female on the piano.

I don't think UK-style witty panel shows would work particularly well in the US.

I imagine limelight-craving panellists contributing simultaneously at increasing volume, culminating in a white noise-like crescendo of no value to the viewer. They just don't have the decorum of the British.

Anyway, I believe the majority of US viewers prefer chat-shows with one guest at a time, interviewed in a getting-to-know-you way. Plus, guests are easier to control (and script) when sat afront Jay Leno et al.

Quote: Sal Paradise @ January 3 2009, 7:25 PM GMT

That must have been sarcasm...

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Yes it was... this isn't.

I'd LOVE to see a few shows like BUZZCOCKS get on the air over here - I really like that show. I think it was tried once, but it didn't fly. I'm not sure why... I don't think it's the swearing as someone mentioned earlier, because that would be easy to tone down.

I think it's more that the "gameshow" genre is very defined here, and people would think it's more of a real competition, then would get frustrated when it's not. Although WHOSE LINE does very well, but it was pushed heavily by Drew Carey, which helped it get going. Man, I just don't know... if I did I'd be making it happen and making some mad cash.

Whose Line did work wonderfully well in the US. I'm sure they'd be able to have their own version of 8 Out Of 10 Cats or something and make a success out of it if they really wanted to.