Format Focus: The Gong Show
- Published: 09 July 2008 16:40
- Last Updated: 09 July 2008 16:40
- Reader Responses
Getting in a twist to beat the gong.
An American classic is coming back as contestants once again vie to avoid the gong, writes Mario Kyprianou.
The format
Hit 1970s entertainment format The Gong Show is returning to TV screens in the US thanks to Adam Sandler's production company, Happy Madison.
Each episode features a varied selection of acts performed in front of a panel of celebrity judges.
The show takes its name from the gong sounded by the judges to call a sudden end to the performance. The acts who avoid the gong are rated by the judges using a points system on a scale of one to 10. The contestant with the highest combined score will then take away the cash prize at the end of each episode.
The highest scoring acts from each show later return to take part in a "best of the worst" special at the end of each series as they compete for the grand prize.
Who's showing it?
The new version will start in the US in a primetime slot from 17 July on Comedy Central.
Coming to the UK?
Sony Pictures Television International is distributing the format internationally and is in talks with UK broadcasters.
Could it work here?
With the Britain's Got Talent results show pulling in 13.1 million viewers, The Gong Show has the potential to build on the country's love of talent competitions. But will this remake offer anything new?
