More on "HQ" Season 2
Until February, More Points, Less Cash
From 9to5 Mac

Popular live game show HQ Trivia is planning to start running games without cash prizes.

As reported by The Verge, HQ Trivia and HQ Words will start hosting select games where users win "points" rather than cash.

The change surprised players yesterday, with many taking to Twitter and Reddit to complain about the lack of a cash prize.

The appeal of HQ Trivia from the start has largely been its cash payout, a rather uncommon practice in other iOS trivia games.

Brandon Teitel, HQ's senior vice president of programming and partnerships, explained to The Verge that cash prizes aren't going away. In fact, Teitel said that this "season" of HQ will give away more cash than the last season did. Further, HQ sees the points-based games as another way for users to win HQ Trivia. By getting credit for the questions you get right, points will add up over time and you can redeem them for certain in-app rewards.

Additionally, HQ hopes that giving users points will incentivize them to play every night, as they get a reward even if they don't make it all the way to the end: "We look at it as another way to win HQ," Teitel says. "I think a lot of people traditionally have thought it's really hard to win HQ, and it is. Not everyone is going to win the game, but getting credit for the questions that you got right feels really good."

"It's definitely a loyalty play to incentivize people to come back," he added.

HQ Trivia has waned in popularity over recent months, leading some to question its financial state. Internal turmoil has also plagued the company since its start. However, a lack of cash prizes in certain games isn't an indication that HQ is facing financial struggles, the company says. Instead, it's simply an "experiment."

9to5 Mac
The Verge

posted 1/23/19

25 Words or Less Is Go For Fall
New Series Sells 75% of the Country
From the Programming Insider

Upcoming game show "25 Words or Less," hosted and produced by Meredith Vieira, has been cleared in 75 percent of the country in advance of its debut in Fall of 2019.

Launching on the Fox Television Stations, the half-hour game show is sold into 125 markets (including additional station groups, Sinclair, Gray, Hearst, CBS, Scripps, Northwest and Tribune).

Distributed by Twentieth Television, "25 Words or Less" is a collaboration of Lisa Kudrow, Dan Bucatinsky, Mary McCormack, Michael Morris, show-runner John Quinn, and Bruce Sterten, creator of "25 Words or Less" and "Taboo" board games.

The logline: "25 Words or Less" pits two teams comprised of celebrities and civilians against each other in a fast-paced word game with a top prize of 10,000 dollars. In the beginning rounds of the game, after a frenzied bidding session, one team member provides clues to two partners to help them guess a list of five words, using fewer than 25 clue words. In the final round, the contestant who has earned the most points has 60 seconds to get his partners to guess 10 words using only 25 words or less.

The Programming Insider
Deadline
B+C
Variety

posted 1/23/19

TUESDAY: Julie... Meet Ellen
NBC Wins Night on "Game of Games"
From the Futon Critic

NBC (7.137 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 1.5, #1) was still the network to beat on Tuesday with new episodes from "Ellen's Game of Games" (7.488 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 1.6, #2), "This Is Us" (8.116 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 1.9, #1) and "New Amsterdam" (5.807 million viewers, #6; adults 18-49: 1.0, #5).

CBS (6.318 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 1.0, #2) then claimed the silver with night two of "Celebrity Big Brother" (4.921 million viewers, #7; adults 18-49: 1.2, #4) followed by new episodes of "FBI" (7.374 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 0.8, #T7) and "NCIS: New Orleans" (6.659 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 0.8, #T7).

Next up was ABC (4.318 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 0.9, #3) with the season finale of "The Conners" (7.731 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 1.5, #3) alongside new episodes of "The Kids Are Alright" (4.537 million viewers, #8; adults 18-49: 0.9, #6), "Black-ish" (3.363 million viewers, #10; adults 18-49: 0.8, #T7), "Splitting Up Together" (2.629 million viewers, #12; adults 18-49: 0.6, #T11) and "The Rookie" (3.825 million viewers, #9; adults 18-49: 0.7, #10).

Meanwhile, FOX (2.227 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 0.5, #T4) opted for a repeat "Lethal Weapon" (2.646 million viewers, #11; adults 18-49: 0.5, #T13) and a new "The Gifted" (1.807 million viewers, #14; adults 18-49: 0.5, #T13).

And finally, fresh installments of "The Flash" (1.863 million viewers, #13; adults 18-49: 0.6, #T11) and "Roswell, New Mexico" (1.226 million viewers, #15; adults 18-49: 0.4, #15) rounded out the night on The CW (1.544 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 0.5, #T4).

The Futon Critic

posted 1/23/19

MONDAY: Celebrity Big Brother Goes Live
Catch It Monday on CBS
From the Futon Critic

The multiplatform coverage of BIG BROTHER: CELEBRITY EDITION that fans came to love last year - including the BIG BROTHER live feeds - will return for the second season following BIG BROTHER: CELEBRITY EDITION's two-night premiere event, Monday, Jan. 21 and Tuesday, Jan. 22 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT).

The live feeds will begin following the west coast broadcast on Tuesday, Jan. 22. CELEBRITY BIG BROTHER AFTER DARK premieres on Pop on Tuesday, Jan. 22 (12:00-3:00 AM, ET/PT) with continuous live, late night coverage seven nights a week leading into the finale. Details of the social, multiplatform and additional broadcast features this season include:

ABC (6.041 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 1.5, #1) inched past the demo competition on Monday with originals from "The Bachelor" (5.957 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 1.6, #T1) and "The Good Doctor" (6.209 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 1.2, #4).

NBC (8.241 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 1.4, #2) then was a close second with fresh installments from "America's Got Talent: The Champions" (9.662 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 1.6, #T1) and "Manifest" (5.399 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 1.0, #T5).

Next up was CBS (5.783 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 1.0, #T3) with the season premiere of "Celebrity Big Brother" (5.396 million viewers, #6; adults 18-49: 1.4, #3) followed by new episodes of "Magnum P.I." (5.268 million viewers, #8; adults 18-49: 0.7, #9) and "Bull" (6.686 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 0.8, #8).

Meanwhile, FOX (4.836 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 1.0, #T3) served up a new "The Resident" (5.369 million viewers, #7; adults 18-49: 1.0, #T5) followed by week two of "The Passage" (4.302 million viewers, #9; adults 18-49: 1.0, #T5).

And finally, the return of "Arrow" (1.253 million viewers, #10; adults 18-49: 0.4, #10) and "Black Lightning" (0.875 million viewers, #11; adults 18-49: 0.3, #11) on The CW (1.064 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 0.3, #5) rounded out the night.

On cable...
- Kids Baking Championship (Food): 1.555m
- Winner Cake All (Food): 798k
- Common Knowledge (GSN): 525k
- America Says (GSN): 328k

The Futon Critic
Reality TV World
The Futon Critic
Showbuzz Daily

posted 1/23/19

NATPE Breakthrough Awards: And The Winners ARe...
"Drag Race", "Game of Games" Win Awards
From World Screen

Hosted by Kellie Pickler and Emmy Award-winning journalist Ben Aaron, NATPE's fifth annual Unscripted Breakthrough Awards honored six winners at the event held yesterday at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach.

RuPaul's Drag Race took home the award in the competition category, beating out American Ninja Warrior, Big Brother, The Voice and World of Dance. Besting Beat Shazam, Celebrity Family Feud, Hollywood Game Night and Match Game in the game shows category was Ellen's Game of Games.

The NATPE Miami Marketplace and Conference continues through January 24.

World Screen

posted 1/23/19

WEEKEND: Super Match Is Set
CBS Wins Sunday
From the Futon Critic

CBS (43.042 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 13.1, #1) surged to the top spot on Sunday with its primetime portion of the "AFC Championship" (47.469 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 14.5, #1) and a special "Magnum P.I." (12.058 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 3.8, #2).

FOX (2.446 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 0.8, #2) then was a distant second with its repeat lineup of "The Masked Singer" (3.915 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 1.1, #3), "The Simpsons" (2.183 million viewers, #9; adults 18-49: 0.7, #T4), "Bob's Burgers" (1.583 million viewers, #12; adults 18-49: 0.6, #T6), "Family Guy" (1.616 million viewers, #11; adults 18-49: 0.6, #T6) and "The Cool Kids" (1.460 million viewers, #13; adults 18-49: 0.5, #12).

Next up was ABC (3.359 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 0.6, #3) and its mix of "America's Funniest Home Videos" (4.153 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 0.6, #T6), "America's Funniest Home Videos" (3.982 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 0.6, #T6), a new "Shark Tank" (2.830 million viewers, #7; adults 18-49: 0.7, #T4) and "Shark Tank" (2.471 million viewers, #8; adults 18-49: 0.6, #T6).

Meanwhile, NBC (2.749 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 0.5, #4) served up the feature "Minions" (1.802 million viewers, #10; adults 18-49: 0.4, #13) and a two-hour "Dateline NBC" (3.697 million viewers, #6; adults 18-49: 0.6, #T6).

And finally, the return of "Supergirl" (1.035 million viewers, #14; adults 18-49: 0.3, #T14) and "Charmed" (0.819 million viewers, #15; adults 18-49: 0.3, #T14) rounded out the night on The CW (0.927 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 0.3, #5).

On cable Sunday...
- Worst Cooks in America (Food): 1.229m

CBS (6.868 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 0.7, #T1) was the top draw on Friday thanks to originals from "MacGyver" (6.899 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 0.8, #T1) and "Hawaii Five-0" (7.553 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 0.8, #T1) plus a repeat "Blue Bloods" (6.151 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 0.6, #T7).

ABC (4.189 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 0.7, #T1) then shared in the demo honors with its mix of "Fresh Off the Boat" (3.438 million viewers, #7; adults 18-49: 0.7, #T3), "Speechless" (2.590 million viewers, #12; adults 18-49: 0.6, #T7) and a two-hour "20/20" (4.777 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 0.7, #T3).

FOX (3.051 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 0.7, #T1) likewise was tops among adults 18-49 with repeats of "Last Man Standing" (3.859 million viewers, #6; adults 18-49: 0.7, #T3) and "The Cool Kids" (3.040 million viewers, #10; adults 18-49: 0.6, #T7) alongside a new "Hell's Kitchen" (2.653 million viewers, #11; adults 18-49: 0.7, #T3).

Meanwhile, NBC (3.406 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 0.6, #4) served up new episodes of "Blindspot" (3.054 million viewers, #9; adults 18-49: 0.6, #T7), "The Blacklist" (4.037 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 0.6, #T7) and "Dateline NBC" (3.127 million viewers, #8; adults 18-49: 0.6, #T7).

And finally, the return of "Dynasty" (0.664 million viewers, #13; adults 18-49: 0.2, #T13) and a new "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" (0.475 million viewers, #14; adults 18-49: 0.2, #T13) on The CW (0.570 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 0.2, #5) rounded out the night.

On cable Friday...
- Lip Sync Battle Shorties (Nick): 705k
- America Says (GSN): 609k
- RuPaul's Drag Race All-Stars (VH1): 566k
- Double Dare (Nick): 533k

The Futon Critic
The Futon Critic
Showbuzz Daily
Showbuzz Daily

posted 1/23/19

Wednesday Lightning Round
... or "He's Blanked"

• Bob Eubanks brings "Hollywood's Greatest Game Shows" to Staten Island (SILive)
  
  
• Alec Baldwin pleads guilty, sentenced to anger management (Variety)
  
  
• Bradley Walsh plays on Doctor Who. So who does he enlist to help him understand it? The Chasers, of course (Digital Spy)
  
  
• An accident on the "Wowowin" set leaves one dead, one injured (Inquirer.net)
  
  
• SPOILER ALERT!: One person is already OUT of the Big Brother House (The Wrap - WARNING! THAR BE SPOILERS!)

posted 1/23/19

ATAS
FAYE BALLARD: 1925-2019
Star of Stage & Screen Made the Game Show Rounds
From People

Kaye Ballard, who starred in the 1960s sitcom The Mothers-In-Law, has died. She was 93. The actress and singer, who appeared in Broadway musicals and performed in nightclubs, died Monday evening at her home in Rancho Mirage, California, according to the Associated Press.

Her death comes after a battle with kidney cancer.

Born Catherine Gloria Ballota in Cleveland, Ohio, on Nov. 20, 1925, AP reports, Ballard starred as Kaye Buell on The Mothers-In-Law — opposite Eve Arden — from 1967-69. She went on to appear in numerous TV series throughout the decades following, including The Doris Day Show, Love, American Style, Fantasy Island, The Love Boat and What a Dummy.

Ballard was also frequent on game shows including The Hollywood Squares, Celebrity Bowling, Celebrity Sweepstakes, Match Game, The $10,000 Pyramid, It's Your Bet, It Takes Two, You're Putting Me On, Win with the Stars, To Tell the Truth, I've Got A Secret, Missing Links, Get the Message, Password, and Play Your Hunch.

People
Entertainment Weekly
New York Times
Deadline

posted 1/22/18

... But Is America Ready for Money Drop to Come Back?
EndemolShine, Michael Strahan Working on New Version
From B+C

Endemol Shine North America and Michael Strahan's SMAC Entertainment are partnering to develop a U.S. version of global hit The Money Drop, ESNA announced Tuesday at NATPE Miami 2019. Strahan will serve as an executive producer on the series.

The show was originally created by Endemol Shine UK's Remarkable Television and was titled The Million Pound Drop Live. It's been locally produced in 54 territories around the world. In the U.K., it currently airs on Channel 4 as a five-night-a-week strip called The £100K Money Drop.

"I was in London the first time I saw Money Drop and I immediately knew we had to help bring it back to the U.S.," said Strahan in a statement. "On behalf of myself, Constance Schwartz-Morini and the rest of the team at SMAC, we're excited to take Money Drop to market with the amazing team at Endemol Shine and make it SMAC's third game show next to The $100,000 Pyramid and The Joker's Wild."

ESNA is currently considering distribution options for the series, including national syndication.

This would be the second version of Money Drop to hit the US. The first ran on Fox from December 2010 to February 2011..

B+C
Deadline
Realscreen
Variety
Broadway World

posted 1/22/19

NTAs: And the Winners Were...
"The Chase" Takes Top Quiz Show Honors
From Metro

The 24th National Television Awards took place at London's O2 Arena on Tuesday, January 22, spotlighting the biggest and best in British TV over the past year.

David Dimbleby, who received a Lifetime Achievement award, was perhaps the highlight of the entire show – singing the BBC's praises and calling for more politicians to face debate on national television in a surprisingly meaningful acceptance speech.

Undoubtedly the biggest talking point, however, will fall to Ant and Dec's TV Presenter win for the 18th year in a row – despite Ant McPartlin stepping down from TV commitments earlier this year. The duo, who couldn't make the awards due to filming on Britain's Got Talent, delivered a touching speech referencing their past year, with Ant branding Dec 'the best mate there is out there' for stepping up in his absence.

In the category of Quiz Show, "The Chase" outlasted "8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown", "A Leage of Their Own", "Catchphrase", and "Pointless".

The best Talent Show award went to "Strictly Come Dancing" over "Britain's Got Talent", "Dancing On Ice", "The Voice UK", and "The X Factor".

The Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award went to "I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!". Best TV Judge went to "Got Talent's" David Walliams

Metro
BT

posted 1/22/19

Double Dare Hits the Road Again
Tour Continues March 26 in Lancaster, PA
From Broadway World

Charlie Blum Entertainment / CB Entertainment and Red Tail Productions LLC, in partnership with Nickelodeon, announce new tour dates for Nickelodeon's Double Dare Live stage show. Coming off a successful fall 2018 tour, Double Dare Live -- featuring original host Marc Summers and his beloved sidekick Robin Russo -- will resume touring March 26 in Lancaster, PA, and will play 30 North American cities. Tickets for the first wave of cities go on sale to the general public Friday, January 25 at 10:00 a.m.

Inspired by the iconic TV game show Double Dare, Double Dare Live features two teams comprised of selected audience members competing to win prizes by answering brain-bending trivia questions, completing messy physical challenges and ultimately facing the legendary obstacle course.

The highly anticipated return of the Double Dare series premiered summer 2018 on Nickelodeon and ranked as the year's number-one new kids show with Kids 6-11, while retaining the core adult audience who grew up with the original television show. The new Double Dare is hosted by digital creator and actress Liza Koshy, with original host Marc Summers providing color commentary on the challenges and lending his vast knowledge of the game and expertise to each episode.

"Hosting the Double Dare Live tour couldn't be any more exciting, and I look forward to continuing to bring the fun and messiness of Double Dare to audiences across the country," said Marc Summers. "Doing the show again with my sidekick Robin will fulfill childhood dreams of the generation that grew up with us and introduce this classic show to the next generation."

Double Dare Live winter and spring tour cities are: Lancaster, PA Newark, NJ Philadelphia, PA Boston, MA Red Bank, NJ Hartford, CT New York, NY Wilkes, Barre Huntington, WV Louisville, KY New Orleans, LA Houston, TX San Antonio, TX Dallas, TX Austin, TX Minneapolis, MN Green Bay, WI Waukegan, IL Springfield, MO Peoria, IL St. Louis, MO Atlanta, GA Orlando, FL Clearwater, FL Ft. Lauderdale, FL Detroit, MI Akron, OH Indiana, PA Providence, RI Morristown, NJ

Broadway World

posted 1/22/19

Tuesday Lightning Round
... or "More More More"

• Kelly Clarkson's talker tops 80% (TV Newscheck)
  
  
• Do not. Cross. Wayne Brady (People)
  
  
• Ben Bailey plays Salt Lake City (Deseret News)

posted 1/22/19

Fox Brings In "Funny People"
Comedy Competition Coming
From the Interrobang

It's been four years since the last season of Last Comic Standing aired giving up and coming stand up comedians across the country to get themselves a shiny new television credit, and no sign that NBC will give the series another go. But FOX is developing something to replace LCS in your heart- a reality competition series featuring rising comics from John Irwin.

Funny People plans to go beyond just stand up. It's described as "the ultimate search for the next comedy triple threat" which will means hopefuls will need to show off stand up, improv and sketch skills.

Irwin has plenty of comedy experience, he produced a ton of stand up specials for major comics including Adam Sandler, Kevin Hart, Jim Jefferies, Michelle Wolf, Norm Macdonald, Nate Bargatze, Vir Das, John Mulaney, Tracy Morgan, Trevor Noah, Nikki Glaser, David Spade, Patton Oswalt, Hannibal Buress, Artie Lange, Steve Ranazzisi, Anthony Jeselnik and the list goes on and on.

The Interrobang
Deadline

posted 1/21/19

ITV Rings in Adam McDonald
"5 Gold Rings" To Return
From Deadline

Possessed, the ITV Studios-backed company behind Nickelodeon gameshow Keep It Spotless, has brought in former Sky exec Adam MacDonald as chairman and scored a bumper order for ITV format 5 Gold Rings.

The label, which is run by former Deal or No Deal exec producer and "banker" Glenn Hugill, has secured two more runs of 5 Gold Rings, the primetime ITV gameshow hosted by Philip Schofield.

The show, which was previously piloted in the U.S. by NBC, is a physical game show that's played out on a giant interactive LED floor. Players are given a quintet of rings and must answer questions over five levels. A projection on the floor forms the basis of each question. Players must put the rings on the correct answer, but the rings become smaller throughout the game making it more challenging. At-home viewers are also able to ring answers on their phone and become part of the experience.

The show was co-created by Possessed and John De Mol's Talpa and is also on in territories including France, Vietnam and Holland.

Deadline
ITV

posted 1/21/19

Johan's Final "Noot"
Longtime Host of South African Hit Steps Down
From Cape Town Etc.

The longest-running game show in South Africa, Noot vir Noot, will be saying farewell to its renowned host Johan Stemmet, who will be hosting the show for the last time on Thursday January 17.

Noot vir Noot has been airing on South African television for 28 years and has been hosted by Stemmet since its beginning on July 27 1991.

Stemmet is well-known for his likeable, comedic on-stage personality, colourful shirts and creatively designed waist-coats.

Stemmet announced the ending of his Noot vir Noot career on social media, but assured his followers that he would be leaving the show on a "high note".

"Now, the big finale of Noot via Noot lies ahead. In the 28 years I have worked on the show, I know in my heart that this will be the most exciting final program yet. You definitely should not miss this show … You won't regret it. Have a lovely evening, friends," he said.

Stemmet has worked on a whopping 700 episodes and 43 seasons as the host of Noot vir Noot.

Cape Town Etc.

posted 1/21/19

Second Circle
C4 Returns Reality Experiment
From Deadline

Social media-based reality series The Circle is returning to Channel 4 after the British broadcaster ordered a second season.

This comes after Netflix snapped up the international rights to the format and Deadline revealed that it was making French and Brazilian series as well as a U.S. adaptation.

The series, which is essentially Big Brother-meets-Catfish for a social media-obsessed audience, is produced by All3Media's Studio Lambert, producer of Undercover Boss and Gogglebox, and Motion Content Group, the WPP-backed program funder.

Deadline

posted 1/21/19

"Love Island" Heads to Belgium, Netherlands, Poland
CBS Options US Version for Later This Year
From Deadline

Love Island is heading to Belgium, Netherlands and Poland, taking the total number of territories hosting the sexy reality series to 11.

This comes ahead of the launch of the U.S. version, which is set to debut on CBS later this year.

ITV Studios has closed deals with Polsat, where the Polish series will be produced by Jakevision, and Belgium's SBS and Holland's RTL. The latter two companies are partnering on a joint series that will feature contestants from both countries, it will be produced by Lecter Belgium and ITV Studios Netherlands.

Love Island, which brings together a group of sexy singletons all looking to find love in a villa, has also been recommissioned by Sweden's TV4 and Germany's RTL II.

Deadline

posted 1/21/19

GAMES GONE BY: Power of 10
Season 3 is a Magic Number
From GSNN's Chris Wolvie

GSNN: Games Gone By

posted 1/21/19

Happy Birthday, Betty White!
Game Show Royalty Turns 97 Today
From Along the Boards

Today, Betty White celebrated her 97th birthday.

The beloved actress' rep tells ET that White will play a couple of hands of Gin Rummy on her birthday - which she's very good at! - and in the evening, will play poker with a group of friends that she's been playing with for decades.

"Little did I dream then that I would be here, and it's incredible that I'm still in this business", White said while being honored at the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards to a standing ovation previous year, before tongue-in-cheek adding, "And you are still putting up with me".

She starred on "Life with Elizabeth" in the 1950s and kept up her popularity as a TV personality through multiple appearances on talk shows, game shows and variety shows, as her biography explains. Echoing a World War II era song by Johnny Mercer and Harold Arlen, she said: 'Accentuate the positive, not the negative. "It's such a waste of time".

Along the Boards

posted 1/17/19

THURSDAY: Back to Normal... Ish
CBS Wins Total, Splits Demo with ABC
From the Futon Critic

CBS (7.932 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 1.2, #T1) was the top draw on Thursday with its lineup of "The Big Bang Theory" (13.177 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 2.3, #1), "Young Sheldon" (11.397 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 1.7, #3), "Mom" (8.535 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 1.3, #T4), "Fam" (6.016 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 1.0, #7) and a repeat "SWAT" (4.234 million viewers, #8; adults 18-49: 0.6, #14).

ABC (5.038 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 1.2, #T1) then shared in the demo honors with the return of "Grey's Anatomy" (7.026 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 1.9, #2), "A Million Little Things" (5.245 million viewers, #6; adults 18-49: 1.1, #6) and "How to Get Away with Murder" (2.842 million viewers, #11; adults 18-49: 0.7, #T11).

Next up was NBC (3.926 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 1.0, #3) with originals from "The Titan Games" (4.858 million viewers, #7; adults 18-49: 1.3, #T4), "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" (2.838 million viewers, #12; adults 18-49: 0.9, #T8), "The Good Place" (2.552 million viewers, #13; adults 18-49: 0.8, #10) and "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (4.224 million viewers, #9; adults 18-49: 0.9, #T8).

Meanwhile, FOX (2.697 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 0.7, #4) served up new episodes of "Gotham" (2.418 million viewers, #14; adults 18-49: 0.7, #T11) and "The Orville" (2.975 million viewers, #10; adults 18-49: 0.7, #T11).

And finally, the return of "Supernatural" (1.439 million viewers, #15; adults 18-49: 0.4, #15) and a rebroadcast of "Roswell, New Mexico" (1.080 million viewers, #16; adults 18-49: 0.3, #16) rounded out the evening on The CW (1.260 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 0.3, #5).

On cable...
- Top Chef (Food): 1.015m
- Beat Bobby Flay (Food): 935k
- Ex on the Beach (MTV): 668k
- America Says (GSN): 600k
- Common Knowledge (GSN): 504k

The Futon Critic
Showbuzz Daily

posted 1/18/19

WEDNESDAY: Midwinter Midweek
Fox, NBC Split Leadership
From the Futon Critic

FOX (5.158 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 1.6, #1) was still the network to beat on Wednesday with originals from "Gordon Ramsay's 24 Hours to Hell and Back" (3.422 million viewers, #11; adults 18-49: 1.0, #T8) and "The Masked Singer" (6.893 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 2.2, #1).

NBC (7.918 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 1.1, #2) then was the silver draw with its trio of "Chicago Med" (8.517 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 1.2, #T2), "Chicago Fire" (8.005 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 1.1, #T5) and "Chicago PD" (7.233 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 1.1, #T5).

Next up was ABC (3.519 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 0.9, #3) with fresh installments of "The Goldbergs" (4.805 million viewers, #7; adults 18-49: 1.2, #T2), "Schooled" (4.045 million viewers, #10; adults 18-49: 1.1, #T5), "Modern Family" (4.618 million viewers, #8; adults 18-49: 1.2, #T2), "Single Parents" (3.038 million viewers, #13; adults 18-49: 0.8, #T10) and "Match Game" (2.304 million viewers, #14; adults 18-49: 0.5, #T13).

Meanwhile, CBS (4.371 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 0.7, #4) opted for special repeats of "The Big Bang Theory" (5.963 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 1.0, #T8), "Young Sheldon" (5.198 million viewers, #6; adults 18-49: 0.8, #T10), "NCIS" (4.169 million viewers, #9; adults 18-49: 0.6, #12) and "FBI" (3.363 million viewers, #12; adults 18-49: 0.5, #T13).

And finally, the return of "Riverdale" (1.338 million viewers, #15; adults 18-49: 0.5, #T13) and "All American" (0.693 million viewers, #16; adults 18-49: 0.2, #16) rounded out the night on The CW (1.015 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 0.4, #5).

On cable...
- Guy's Grocery Games (Food): 885k
- Project Runway All-Stars (Lifetime): 666k
- America Says (GSN): 544k
- Deal or No Deal (CNBC): 521k
- Common Knowledge (GSN): 513k
- American Beauty Star (Lifetime): 306k

The Futon Critic
Showbuzz Dailyd

posted 1/17/19

"Alexa, Play the Listener Limerick Challenge"
"Wait Wait Don't Tell Me" Skill Arrives
From Brinkwire

NPR is turning its popular game show program "Wait, Wait…Don't Tell Me!" into a voice application for smart speakers, including both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant-powered devices.

The new app lets listeners play along at home by answering the fill-in-the-blank questions from this week's news – just like the players do on the NPR podcast and radio show, that's today aired on more than 720 NPR Member stations.

Also like the NPR program, the new smart speaker game includes the voice talent of the comedy quiz show's hosts, Peter Sagal and Bill Kurtis.

To get started, you just say either "Alexa, open Wait Wait Quiz" or "Hey Google, talk to the Wait Wait Quiz," depending on your device. After hearing the question, you can then speak – or shout – your answer at your smart speaker to find out if you got it right.

The game is five minutes long and updated every week, NPR says. In addition to bragging rights around your home if you win, game players get to compete for an offbeat prize – the chance to have the show's talent personalize their voicemail, as well as hear their name announced on the air.

Brinkwire
Geekwire
NPR

posted 1/17/19

Confetti, The Q Look At Expanding
In the Works: A Deal with WatchMojo
From Digiday

HQ trivia still attracts hundreds of thousands of people a day in the U.S. and Canada — simultaneously playing its trivia games. But when it comes to building an online game show empire, other platforms including Facebook and The Q have been investing overseas.

Back in June 2018, Facebook announced Confetti, its copycat of HQ trivia. On July 11, Facebook launched the first Confetti game in the U.S., and it's been hosting games every weekday since. Facebook also has created versions of Confetti for Mexico, the U.K., Thailand, Philippines and Vietnam.

The Q, which was launched by video streaming company Stream in November 2017, has been providing the tech back end for other publishers to create their own games.

In June 2018, News UK inked a partnership with The Q to host a twice-daily trivia show. On Jan. 7, WatchMojo — a publisher known for its top-10 videos on YouTube — announced its collaboration with The Q for a weekly trivia show. WatchMojo streams globally, but payouts are restricted to U.S. and Canada. News UK streams to a U.K.-only audience.

Meanwhile, HQ stopped its U.K.-only show in December. The company's UK Twitter account tweeted on Dec. 5, "We're taking a break as we get ready for our brand new show @HQWords. Stay tuned!" An HQ spokesperson declined to comment.

While HQ has put its efforts to grow internationally on hold, both Facebook and The Q are seizing the opportunity to spread their products globally. Some of these shows have been even more successful than the U.S. versions. For example, Facebook hosts two daily shows in Mexico whereas every other country it's currently operating has only one each. A Facebook spokesperson said the popularity of the game in Mexico is evidence that Confetti can create fan engagement.

Though, operating internationally isn't always easy. The Q, for example, has restricted payouts to U.S., Canada and U.K. because of certain regulations in other countries. The Q also launched in India but has since paused that operation after a controversy surrounding its publishing partner.

Digiday

posted 1/17/19

TUESDAY: Game Over..... PSYCH!
"Game of Games" Renewed
From Deadline

Just a week in to Season 2, NBC has renewed top-rated alternative series Ellen's Game of Games for a third season. No word yet on the number of episodes.

The renewal for the Ellen DeGeneres-hosted game show comes amid strong ratings.

Ellen's Game of Games returned to the NBC schedule on Tuesday, Jan. 8 as the night's No. 1 entertainment program in the key adult 18-49 demo. Its 1.5 rating won the 8 PM ET hour over CBS' NCIS and ABC's comedy duo of The Conners and The Kids Are Alright.

In L+3, the premiere grew by 18% in 18-49 to 1.80 and +821,000 viewers overall to 7.4 million. This week's telecast increased its timeslot lead while growing by 13% week to week in 18-49 to a 1.7 rating. The series also ranked as the #1 new alternative show of the 2017-18 season in 18-49 and total viewers.

"We are delighted that America has wholeheartedly embraced this wildly entertaining and unpredictable show," said Meredith Ahr, President, Alternative and Reality Group, NBC Entertainment. "Ellen's signature humor, coupled with the clever twists she and the producers bring to each hilarious moment, puts 'Game of Games' in a league of its own. We can't wait to get started on season three."

NBC (6.573 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 1.6, #1) was the demo champ on Tuesday with originals from "Ellen's Game of Games" (6.347 million viewers, #6; adults 18-49: 1.7, #2), "This Is Us" (7.697 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 2.0, #1) and "New Amsterdam" (5.674 million viewers, #7; adults 18-49: 1.1, #5).

CBS (9.564 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 1.0, #2) then was the silver draw with its trio of "NCIS" (12.104 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 1.3, #T3), "FBI" (9.331 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 1.0, #6) and "NCIS: New Orleans" (7.258 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 0.8, #T7).

Next up was ABC (4.083 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 0.9, #3) and its lineup of "The Conners" (6.647 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 1.3, #T3), "The Kids Are Alright" (4.262 million viewers, #8; adults 18-49: 0.8, #T7), "Black-ish" (3.334 million viewers, #10; adults 18-49: 0.8, #T7), "Splitting Up Together" (2.643 million viewers, #12; adults 18-49: 0.7, #T10) and "The Rookie" (3.807 million viewers, #9; adults 18-49: 0.7, #T10).

Meanwhile, FOX (2.442 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 0.6, #4) offered up fresh installments of "Lethal Weapon" (3.200 million viewers, #11; adults 18-49: 0.7, #T10) and "The Gifted" (1.684 million viewers, #13; adults 18-49: 0.5, #14). And finally, the return of "The Flash" (1.676 million viewers, #14; adults 18-49: 0.6, #13) and the debut of "Roswell, New Mexico" (1.544 million viewers, #15; adults 18-49: 0.4, #15) rounded out the night on The CW (1.610 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 0.5, #5).

On cable...
- Chopped (Food): 1.081m
- Temptation Island (P/USA): 872k
- Common Knowledge (GSN): 492k
- America Says (GSN): 487k

Deadline
B+C
The Futon Critic
TV Line
Showbuzz Daily
C21 Media

posted 1/17/19

Thursday Lightning Round
... or "What Year Is It?"

• Joey Fatone isn't ruling out an 'Nsync reunion (Brinkwire)
  
  
• "The Bachelor" Ben Higgins is back on the market (Bustle)
  
  
• Dwayne Johnson gives Jimmy Fallon a titanic gift (The Wrap)

posted 1/17/19

525,600 Savage Questions
Rent Live's Tinashe, Brandon Victor Dixon to Join HQ Monday
From Playbill

On January 21 at 9 PM ET, HQ Trivia (the live mobile game show you play on your phone) will welcome stars from Fox's upcoming Rent: Tony nominee Brandon Victor Dixon and Tinashe alongside regular HQ host Scott Rogowsky for a special themed game.

The 12-question game will feature musical-themed questions. Players who compete and answer all 12 questions correctly could win free rent for a year. Even if you answer incorrectly, you can continue to watch the show.

Playbill

posted 1/16/19

Challenge the World
MTV's New Season Launches February 6
From the FUton Critic

MTV will welcome viewers to a brave new world with the highly-anticipated "The Challenge: War of the Worlds," premiering Wednesday, February 6th at 9:00PM ET/PT and is set to air internationally in late February.

TV favorites collide when legendary "The Challenge" veterans team up with rookie prospects from franchises including "The Bachelor," "Big Brother," "Love Island," "Survivor" "American Ninja Warrior" as well as international stars across MTV's global family including "Geordie Shore," "Ex on the Beach" and "Floribama Shore."

Thirty-four competitors from around the globe will battle their way through the most grueling, physical and mental challenges for their share of the $1 million prize. New rules will unfold, alliances will be rehashed and surprising twists will arise in the grittiest, most hardcore season ever.

THE VETERANS:
- Amanda Garcia - 5th Challenge Twitter: @MTV_AmandaG, Instagram: @mtv_amanda
- Ashley Mitchell - 4th Challenge Twitter: @mtvashleybrooke, Instagram: @mtvashleybrooke
- Cara Maria Sorbello - 13th Challenge Twitter: @CaraMariaMTV, Instagram: @misscaramaria
- CT Tamburello - 15th Challenge Twitter: @TheOfficial_CT, Instagram: @_famous4nothing
- Da'Vonne Rogers - 2nd Challenge Twitter: @DayDaVonne_ , Instagram: @davonnedianne_
- Hunter Barfield - 4th Challenge Twitter: @hbarfield13, Instagram: @mtvhunter
- Jenna Compono - 7th Challenge Twitter: @JennaCompono, Instagram: @JennaCompono
- Johnny 'Bananas' Devenanzio - 18th Challenge Twitter: @johnnybananas, Instagram: @realjohnnybananas
- Kam Williams - 3rd Challenge Twitter: @iamkamiam_, Instagram: @iamkamiam_
- Kyle Christie - 3rd Challenge Twitter: @KyleCGShore, Instagram: @KyleCGShore
- Leroy Garrett - 10th Challenge Twitter: @bruce_lee85, Instagram: @royleethebarber
- Nany Gonzalez- 6th Challenge Instagram: @nanycarmen
- Natalie Negrotti - 3rd Challenge Twitter: @natalianegrotti, Instagram: @natalienegrotti
- Paulie Calafiore - 2nd Challenge Twitter: @paulcalafiore_, Instagram: @paulcalafiore_
- Wes Bergmann - 11th Challenge Twitter: @westonbergmann, Instagram: @westonbergmann
- Zach Nichols - 8th Challenge Twitter: @ZNichols15, Instagram: @zachnichols15

THE PROSPECTS:
- Alan Valdez - Telemundo personality Instagram: @alanvaldezofficial
- Ashley Cain - "Ex on the Beach UK" Twitter: @mrashleycain, Instagram: @mrasleycain
- Chase Mcnary - "The Bachelorette" Twitter: @cbmcnary, Instagram: @chase_brody_mcnary
- Dee Nguyen - "Geordie Shore" Instagram: @deenguyen
- Georgia Harrison - "Love Island" Twitter: @georgiaharisonx, Instagram: @georgialouiseharrison
- Gus Smyrnios - "Floribama Shore" Twitter: @gussmyrnios, Instagram: @guscalebsmyrnios
- Joao Paulo Andrade - "Ex On The Beach Brazil" Instagram: @brjotape
- Josh Martinez - "Big Brother" Twitter: @joshmbb19, Instagram: @josh_martinez_
- Julia Nolan - "Big Brother" Twitter: @julianolan_, Instagram: @julianolan
- Liz Nolan - "Big Brother" Twitter: _liznolan, Instagram: @liznolan
- Mattie Lynn Breaux - "Party Down South" Twitter: @mattielbreaux, Instagram: @mattielynnbreaux
- Morgan Willett - "Big Brother" Twitter: @morgan_willett, Instagram: @morganleighwillett
- Natalie Duran - "American Ninja Warrior" Twitter: @ninja_natalie, Instagram: @ninja_natalie
- Shaleen Sutherland - "Bachelor Canada" Twitter: @ssutherland03, Instagram: @shaleensutherland
- Stephen Bear - "Geordie Shore" Twitter: @stephen_bear, Instagram: @stevie_bear
- Theo Campbell - "Love Island" Twitter: @theo_campbell91, Instagram: @theo_campbell91
- Turabi Camkiran - "Survivor Turkey" Twitter: @turabicamkiran, Instagram: @turabi
- Zahida Allen - "Ex on the Beach" Twitter: @xzahida, Instagram: @xzahida .

The Futon Critic

posted 1/16/19

Wednesday Lightning Round
... or "Fashion Streams"

• CASTING COUCH: Heidi Klum, Tim Gunn's Amazon show is now casting! (Broadway World)
  
  
• You think "The Masked Singer" is awesome? Try the original Korean (The Ringer)
  
  
• Takeshi's Castle invades Saudi Arabia (The National)
  
  
• Betty White: A life in photos (Redbook)
  
  
• A FEW GOOD MINUTES with Marc Summers (The Ringer)

posted 1/16/19

WCMH Columbus
CAROL CHANNING: 1921-2019
Star of Stage & Screen Made the Game Show Rounds
From TV Week

Carol Channing, who became a legend on Broadway through her performances as golddigger Lorelei Lee in "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" and matchmaker Dolly Gallagher Levi in "Hello, Dolly!," has died.

The New York Times reports that Channing died early today at her home in Rancho Mirage, Calif. She was 97. Her publicist, B. Harlan Boll, reported that Channing had two strokes in the past year.

"Ms. Channing was bringing audiences to their feet night after night in a revival of 'Hello, Dolly!' when she was 74, singing, 'Wow, wow, wow, fellas, / Look at the old girl now, fellas,' resplendent in her scarlet gown and jewels, her platinum hair crowned with red plumage," The Times reports. "Ten years later she was still getting applause, this time for a cabaret act. Nine years after that, just a few days before her 93rd birthday, she appeared at Town Hall in Manhattan as part of a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the night 'Dolly' opened."

The Times quotes Channing saying during her last Broadway appearance, in a "Hello, Dolly!" revival in 1995: "Performing is the only excuse for my existence. What can be better than this?"

"Ms. Channing was one of the most recognizable presences in the theater world. Her tousled hairdo, headlight-size eyes and exaggerated mouth were the subject of countless caricatures. For many years her real hair, damaged by bleaching, was covered by a wig," The Times adds. "Her false eyelashes, worn at a fantastic length since she was a teenager, posed a more serious problem. The glue that was used to attach them gradually pulled out her natural lashes, and Ms. Channing began painting on the long spikes."

Channing was nominated for an Oscar in 1968 for her supporting role in "Thoroughly Modern Millie," a role that also won her a Golden Globe.

She was a presence on television throughout her career, making guest appearances on variety shows including "The Ed Sullivan Show," "The Mike Douglas Show," "The Carol Burnett Show," "The David Frost Show," "The Dean Martin Show," "The Joey Bishop Show," "The Andy Williams Show" and "The Tonight Show" going back to the Jack Paar era. Channing also starred in her own TV specials and TV movies, including "An Evening with Carol Channing" in 1966, "Carol Channing and 101 Men" in 1968, "Carol Channing Proudly Presents the Seven Deadly Sins" in 1969 and "Carol Channing's Mad English Tea Party" in 1970. And she made the rounds of the TV game shows, where she was a fixture on "Password," "I've Got a Secret," "What's My Line" and more than one incarnation of "Hollywood Squares.".

TV Week
Extra
USA Today
The Hollywood Reporter
Spectrum News NY1
TV Line
The Wrap
Deadline

posted 1/15/18

SYNDIES: Week 15
Results for the Week Ending January 6
From TV Newscheck

The session ending Jan. 6, the week leading up to the Golden Globes and the traditional beginning of the annual awards season, saw strong rating increases for the entertainment magazines despite preemptions for the big New Year's Eve and New Year's Day festivities.

GAME SHOWS
- Family Feud (Debmar-Mercury/FMNA) 6.0 NC
- Wheel of Fortune (CTD) 6.0 +11%
- Jeopardy (CTD) 5.8 +5%
- Who Wants to Be a Millionaire (Disney-ABC) 1.6 NC
- Funny You Should Ask(Entertainment Studios) 0.5 NC

TV Newscheck
B+C

posted 1/15/19

MONDAY: The People's Champ
ABC, NBC Split Night
From The Futon Critic

ABC (5.801 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 1.5, #1) was the demo champ on Monday thanks to new episodes of "The Bachelor" (5.599 million viewers, #6; adults 18-49: 1.6, #2) and "The Good Doctor" (6.206 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 1.2, #T4).

NBC (8.472 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 1.4, #2) then was a close second with fresh installments of "America's Got Talent: The Champions" (9.963 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 1.7, #1) and "Manifest" (5.490 million viewers, #8; adults 18-49: 0.9, #T7).

Next up was FOX (5.370 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 1.2, #3) with the return of "The Resident" (5.522 million viewers, #7; adults 18-49: 1.1, #6) and the premiere of "The Passage" (5.218 million viewers, #9; adults 18-49: 1.3, #3).

Meanwhile, CBS (6.322 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 0.9, #4) offered up originals of "The Neighborhood" (6.878 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 1.2, #T4), "Happy Together" (5.140 million viewers, #10; adults 18-49: 0.9, #T7), "Magnum P.I." (5.933 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 0.7, #10) and "Bull" (7.024 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 0.8, #9).

And finally, The CW (0.721 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 0.2, #5) closed out the night with an encore of "The 4th Annual Howie Mandel Stand-Up Extravaganza" (0.721 million viewers, #11; adults 18-49: 0.2, #11).

On cable...
- Kids Baking Championship (Food): 1.676m
- Winner Cake All (Food): 939k
- Common Knowledge (P/GSN): 520k
- America Says (GSN): 486k .

The Futon Critic
Showbuzz Daily

posted 1/15/19

WEEKEND: Back into Hell
Fox, CBS Split Friday
From the Futon Critic

FOX (4.206 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 1.0, #1) took home top demo honors on Friday with its lineup of "Last Man Standing" (6.208 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 1.2, #1), "The Cool Kids" (4.776 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 1.0, #2) and "Hell's Kitchen" (2.921 million viewers, #11; adults 18-49: 0.8, #T4).

CBS (7.829 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 0.8, #2) then claimed the silver with its trio of "MacGyver" (6.625 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 0.8, #T4), "Hawaii Five-0" (7.885 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 0.9, #3) and "Blue Bloods" (8.979 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 0.8, #T4).

Next up was ABC (3.740 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 0.6, #T3) and its mix of "Fresh Off the Boat" (3.166 million viewers, #9; adults 18-49: 0.7, #7), "Speechless" (2.419 million viewers, #12; adults 18-49: 0.5, #12) and a two-hour "20/20" (4.214 million viewers, #6; adults 18-49: 0.6, #T8).

Meanwhile, NBC (3.334 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 0.6, #T3) served up the return of "Blindspot" (3.069 million viewers, #10; adults 18-49: 0.6, #T8) plus originals from "The Blacklist" (3.650 million viewers, #7; adults 18-49: 0.6, #T8) and "Dateline NBC" (3.283 million viewers, #8; adults 18-49: 0.6, #T8).

And finally, The CW (0.776 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 0.2, #5) opted for repeats of "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" (1.080 million viewers, #13; adults 18-49: 0.3, #T13), another "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" (1.055 million viewers, #14; adults 18-49: 0.3, #T13) and a new "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" (0.485 million viewers, #15; adults 18-49: 0.1, #15).

On cable Friday...
- Lip Sync Battle Shorties (Nick): 779k
- Double Dare (Nick): 626k
- RuPaul's Drag Race All-Stars (VH1): 512k
- America Says (GSN): 406k

FOX (14.874 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 4.8, #1) was the network to beat on Sunday thanks to its mix of playoff "NFL Overrun" (35.682 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 10.7, #1), "The OT" (31.067 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 9.4, #2), "The Simpsons" (10.195 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 3.8, #3), "Bob's Burgers" (5.331 million viewers, #9; adults 18-49: 2.2, #4), "Family Guy" (4.175 million viewers, #12; adults 18-49: 1.8, #5) and the season finale of "Rel" (2.795 million viewers, #15; adults 18-49: 1.1, #T7).

ABC (4.463 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 1.0, #2) then claimed a distant second with its mix of "America's Funniest Home Videos" (4.372 million viewers, #10; adults 18-49: 0.8, #11), new episodes of "America's Funniest Home Videos" (6.257 million viewers, #7; adults 18-49: 1.3, #6) and "Shark Tank" (4.310 million viewers, #11; adults 18-49: 1.1, #T7) and a repeat "Shark Tank" (2.913 million viewers, #13; adults 18-49: 0.7, #T12).

Next up was CBS (7.644 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 0.8, #3) with originals from "60 Minutes" (8.077 million viewers, #6; adults 18-49: 0.7, #T12), "God Friended Me" (8.228 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 0.9, #T9), "NCIS: Los Angeles" (8.285 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 0.9, #T9) and "Madam Secretary" (5.986 million viewers, #8; adults 18-49: 0.6, #T14).

Meanwhile, NBC (2.453 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 0.6, #4) opted for the feature "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" (2.333 million viewers, #16; adults 18-49: 0.6, #T14) and "Dateline NBC" (2.815 million viewers, #14; adults 18-49: 0.5, #16).

And finally, The CW (1.510 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 0.3, #5) closed out the night with "The 24th Annual Critics' Choice Awards" (1.510 million viewers, #17; adults 18-49: 0.3, #17).

On cable Sunday...
- Worst Cooks in America (Food): 1.792m

The Futon Critic
Showbuzz Daily
Showbuzz Daily

posted 1/15/19

Masked Singer Goes British
UK Version of Fox Hit Optioned
From TBI Vision

Argonon Group-backed producer Bandicoot Television has optioned Fox's hit format The Masked Singer for the UK.

The format debuted on the US broadcaster on 2 January in a Wednesday 9pm slot, drawing more than 9m viewers and marking the highest rated unscripted debut on any US network in seven years, topping The X Factor's September 2011 launch.

Hosted by Nick Cannon with a panel of judges that includes actor Ken Jeong and Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger, the show finds celebrities singing in full-body costumes and masks that hide their identities.

The 12 competitors on the US show, which is produced by Endemol Shine North America, are said to have a combined 65 Grammy nominations, 16 multi-Platinum albums and 16 Emmy nominations. The format extends across 10 episodes, with each episode featuring competitors that face off with a song of their choice.

The loser must reveal their identity, with top contenders reaching the end of the series while keeping their identities hidden.

TBI Vision

posted 1/15/19

Tuesday Lightning Round
... or "And the Hosting Gig Goes to..."

• Aisha Tyler to host DGA Awards (Broadway World)
  
  
• Alicia Keys to host Grammys (The Futon Critic)
  
  
• A FEW GOOD MINUTES with Mark L. Walberg (Bustle)

posted 1/15/19

Wednesday

Family Feud

Syndication

Let's Make a Deal

CBS

The Price Is Right

CBS

Pop Quiz

Live
Hangtime app

Who Wants to Be a Millionare

Syn/ABC

In or Out

Live
Ripkord.tv app

Common Knowledge

GSN

HQ Sports

Live
HQ app

In or Out

Live
Ripkord.tv app

Wheel of Fortune

Syndication/YES

Jeopardy!

Syndication/YES

Trivia Live

Live
Trivia Crack app

Celebrity Big Brother

CBS

Reward the Fan

Live
Reward the Fan App

SwagIQ

Live
Swagbucks App

Trivia Clash Nitro

Live
HypSports app

Trivia Live

Live
Trivia Crack app

America Says

GSN

Deal or No Deal

CNBC

Guy's Grocery Games

Food

HQ Trivia

Live
HQ app

The Masked Singer

Fox

Project Runway All-Stars

Lifetime

Super Fan

Live
Joyride app

Sold!

Live
Joyride app

Confetti

Live
Facebook Watch

HQ Words

Live
HQ app

Trivia Live

Live
Trivia Crack app

Trivia Crush

Live
Joyride app

American Beauty Star

Lifetime

Drop the Mic

Season Premiere
TNT

Film Frenzy

Live
Joyride app

Jackpot

Live
Hangtime app

Match Game

ABC

Quizzo!

Live
Joyride app

Snoop Dogg Presents The Joker's Wild

Season Premiere
TNT

Trivia Live

Live
Trivia Crack app

Top Pop

Live
Joyride app

Music Mania

Live
Joyride app

Swipe

Live
Joyride app